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Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Easy Dinner Idea for Two Perfect Meal

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A quick and easy creamy tomato pasta recipe perfect for two, featuring a luscious sauce made with garlic, onions, crushed tomatoes, and cream, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter/dairy-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 6 ounces (170 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces (170 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Mix well until sauce turns light pink and smooth.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water. Add pasta to the sauce skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce needs loosening.
  7. Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over pasta. Toss gently and remove from heat.
  8. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

If sauce tastes too acidic, add ¼ teaspoon sugar to mellow it. Use pasta water to loosen sauce for better coating. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. For vegan, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, easy dinner, pasta recipe, quick pasta, dinner for two, comfort food, tomato sauce, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-recipe-easy-dinner-idea-for-two-perfect-meal/