Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, then add the pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain once done.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste followed by the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce is well combined and smooth. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, reducing the heat if needed to maintain a gentle bubbling, until it thickens to your liking.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper generously to taste. If the sauce tastes too acidic or tangy, balance it by stirring in a pinch of sugar.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Drain the pasta carefully and toss it immediately with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot pasta water to loosen it. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian