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The Ultimate Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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This simple pairing transforms a humble pantry staple into an impressive, deeply flavored meal. Whether you are hosting a small gathering or simply seeking a comforting, restorative dinner, making the perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta requires just a few excellent ingredients and a little patience to unlock their full potential.

Ingredients

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1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon of dried basil

1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand

1 tablespoon of tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1 pound of dried pasta

1 cup of heavy cream

1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about one and one-half cups of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, which should take about six to eight minutes.

3. Bloom the Spices and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for sixty seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

4. Simmer the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste for one minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook, uncovered, for twenty minutes.

5. Build the Emulsion: Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water at a time until the desired, velvety consistency is achieved.

6. Combine and Finish: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss vigorously until every strand is coated. Allow the pasta to absorb the sauce for one to two minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Always use fresh, quality Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the smoothest melt.

Do not discard the pasta water; its starch content is essential for creating a perfect, clinging emulsion with the sauce.

The sauce can be made ahead of time (without the cream) and stored in the refrigerator for one day.

For a bolder flavor, consider using certified San Marzano tomatoes.

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