Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
This easy dish features tender pasta in a dreamy, creamy tomato sauce. There’s just enough cream to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, so each bite is like magic on the palate.
I love adding a touch of cream to savory tomato sauces. If you haven’t tried it, I highly encourage you to try this dish. And I used half-and-half, which is half milk and half cream, so the sauce with creamy, without being overly heavy.
What kind of pasta should you use? I used penne, but any pasta shape works! Short noodles, long noodles, gluten-free noodles – all work there!
What should you serve with this pasta? I suggest adding steamed or roasted vegetables, or a salad on the side. Add some warm bread and the meal is complete.
Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
This easy dish features tender pasta in a dreamy, creamy tomato sauce. There’s just enough cream to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, so each bite is like magic on the palate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more/less to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter together in a large saucepan or high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the pasta and half-and-half and cook for 1 minute to heat through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Serve with parmesan cheese on the side.
Calories: 616kcal, Carbohydrates: 105g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 329mg, Potassium: 957mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 832IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 159mg, Iron: 4mg