Description
A quick and easy creamy tomato garlic pasta that’s perfect for busy nights, filled with roasted tomato flavor and mellow garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Pasta water (reserve 1 cup after cooking)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Let simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and warm. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Finish with chopped basil and lemon zest if using. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
Use unsalted butter for better salt control. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg