Nani's Creamy Tomato Pasta
This comforting pasta dish is a weeknight favorite that brings a touch of creaminess to a classic tomato sauce.
recipesbynani.comThere is something so special about a bowl of pasta covered in a silky tomato sauce. It is my go to meal when I need something quick but still want that cozy homemade feeling.
My favorite trick for this recipe is to save a little bit of the pasta water before draining it. Mixing that starchy water into the sauce helps everything cling to the noodles perfectly.
๐งบ Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
๐ฉโ๐ณInstructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dried basil, then let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 6
Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve a splash of the cooking water, and toss the noodles into the sauce.
- 7
Add a little bit of the pasta water if you need to thin out the sauce, then season with salt and pepper before serving.
๐ก Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or tossing in some fresh spinach right at the end.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
You might also like

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
These hearty bowls are packed with roasted sweet potatoes, savory black beans, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Indian Spiced Turkey Bowls
These flavorful turkey bowls are perfect for busy weeknights and make wonderful leftovers for lunch the next day.

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
This simple salsa chicken is a flavorful meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day.

Simple One Pan Chicken and Potatoes
This comforting one pan meal is a classic favorite because it is easy to make and even easier to clean up.