Imagine twirling your fork around a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that dances on your taste buds. Welcome to the world of "Pasta with Whipped Cream Tomato Sauce"—a delightful Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just 20 minutes! Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses guests, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let's dive into this creamy, dreamy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the garlic. Simmer the tomato sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy tomato sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate the seasonings.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fusilli. They’ll capture every bit of that creamy goodness!
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant; overcooking can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on it!
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a less rich option.
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: The starchy pasta water is perfect for adjusting the sauce's consistency. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Don’t skip the garnish!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your dish by adding sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, or shrimp for extra protein and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 100mg
