Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won't be as rich or stable. If using milk, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with the milk before adding to help thicken it, and be careful not to let it boil which could cause curdling.

Why is my sauce too tangy or acidic?

Some canned tomato products are more acidic than others. Add another pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, or try a tablespoon of butter which can also help mellow the tang.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce actually improves with a day of rest in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat gently and cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy tomato pasta recipe made with a blend of tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and comforting main course.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta:

- 12 ounces penne pasta

For the Sauce:

- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- Dash of sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

Fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become transparent.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, a dash of sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Once the sauce is done simmering, remove it from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with the reserved pasta water as needed.
Final Touches: Serve the pasta in bowls, then top it with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before enjoying.

Notes

If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you get your desired consistency.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of salt and sugar based on the acidity of your tomato sauce.
Feel free to add sautéed vegetables or cooked chicken for additional protein and variety.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 40mg