Description
A comforting and rich pasta dish, combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the warmth of garlic and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add Cream: Lower heat to simmer, pour in heavy cream, and stir well. Let it cook gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Remove from heat, plate, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Add red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for additional veggies.
- Use fresh heirloom tomatoes in season for a fresher taste.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or fresh parsley for texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
