Description
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is rich, smooth, and full of flavor. A quick and comforting meal perfect for easy summer weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 15 ounces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook for 9 to 10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add salt, black pepper, sugar, and dried basil. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a brighter summer flavor, add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes during the last 3 minutes of simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American