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Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe offers a rich and luscious sauce made from tomato paste, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, perfectly coating al dente fusilli pasta. It’s a quick and comforting meal that balances savory tomato flavor with creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound (16 oz) fusilli bucati pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, very finely diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock (or chicken broth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (approx. 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it darkens slightly to develop flavor. Lower heat if the mixture starts to burn.
  3. Make Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper (approximately 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water into the sauce. Toss continuously over medium heat for 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and be well-coated. Add additional reserved cooking water in 1/4 cup increments if the sauce needs loosening.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve hot for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency for a smooth and creamy finish.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder taste.
  • Fusilli bucati is preferred for sauce adherence, but any pasta shape can be used.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-recipe/