Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love making this creamy tomato pasta because it transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dish. The combination of garlic, basil, and a touch of chili creates a sauce that’s both elegant and comforting. Every bite feels like a little celebration, perfect for when you need a flavorful escape from the ordinary.

I love making this Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta because it really brings together some nutritious ingredients in a simple way. I use 8 oz of pasta with 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced medium onion.

The extra flavor comes from a pinch of red chili flakes if you feel like adding a little kick. Add a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to create a wonderfully rich sauce thats full of antioxidants and calcium.

I also add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finish it off with a handful of fresh basil leaves and some grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Its a balanced dish, combining energy from pasta with healthy fats and vitamins from tomatoes and herbs.

I swear its a really easy pasta dinner that doesnt compromise on taste or nutrition.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, the creamy tomato sauce is so rich and flavorful that it makes every bite super satisfying. Second, it’s really easy to make and doesn’t take long which is perfect when i don’t have much time to cook. Third, i love how the garlic and basil mix in – it gives the dish that homemade feel and a little extra kick without being too overpowering. Lastly, i appreciate how versatile it is since i can tweak it with extra chili flakes or more Parmesan if i’m in the mood for something different.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta: Offers plenty of carbohydrates to fuel your day and soak up yummy sauce.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides healthy fats and smooth flavor that elevates your sauce.
• Garlic: Brims with antioxidants and adds a punchy, savory kick to the dish.
• Onion: Gives natural sweetness and depth to create a well balanced, tasty sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: A tangy and sweet base packed with vitamin C and lycopene goodness.
• Heavy cream: Brings a rich creaminess that makes the pasta extra indulgent.
• Fresh basil: Offers a refreshing herbal note that brightens up the meal.
• Red chili flakes: Bring a little fiery kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any you like)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 pinch red chili flakes (optional for a little kick)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make this

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

2. In a big skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add the diced onion and cook until it gets a bit soft, then toss in the minced garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes; stir them until they start to smell really good.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 8-10 minutes so the flavours blend together.

6. Slowly stir the heavy cream into the simmering tomato sauce and let it heat through for a couple of minutes.

7. Drain the pasta, saving a little bit of the cooking water in case the sauce needs thinning.

8. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix well so all the pasta gets coated. If it seems thick, add a splash of the reserved water.

9. Gently mix in the fresh basil leaves that were roughly torn.

10. Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like, and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling the pasta
2. Colander for draining the pasta
3. Large skillet for making the sauce
4. Wooden spoon for stirring and mixing
5. Cutting board for chopping the onion and garlic
6. Chef’s knife for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic
7. Measuring spoons for the olive oil and red chili flakes
8. Measuring cup for the heavy cream
9. Can opener to open the crushed tomatoes

FAQ

• Q: How long does this dish take to make?
  A: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish so its perfect for those hectic nights.
• Q: Can I use any type of pasta?
  A: Yes, you can use spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you like. Different shapes work fine as long as they hold onto the sauce well.
• Q: What if I dont have heavy cream?
  A: If you dont have heavy cream, you can use half & half or even a splash of milk. The sauce might be a bit lighter but it’ll still taste great.
• Q: How do I adjust the spice level?
  A: Simply add or reduce the pinch of red chili flakes. It gives you the flexibility to make it as mild or as spicy as you get in the mood for.
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  A: Sure, you can prep it in advance but try to stir in the cream just before you serve so the sauce stays creamy and fresh.

Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For pasta, you can try using a gluten free or whole wheat pasta as a substitute, its a good alternative if you need to avoid regular wheat.
• If you dont have extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or even coconut oil works pretty well though coconut oil might give a slightly different flavor.
• Instead of heavy cream, you could use coconut cream or half and half, just keep in mind the consistency and taste may vary a bit.
• Not a fan of basil? You might want to use spinach or arugula, they offer a different taste but still works great in the dish.
• If you want to tweak the chili kick, try using a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely diced jalapeno instead of red chili flakes.

Pro Tips

1. When you drain the pasta, save a little bit of the water so you can thin out the sauce later if it gets too thick.
2. Make sure you cook the garlic just until it’s fragrant – not too long, or it might get bitter.
3. Letting the sauce simmer a bit longer really helps bring out the flavors, so don’t rush that step.
4. Adding the basil at the very end keeps its flavor fresh and vibrant, so toss it in just before serving.