Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a sauce so rich and luxurious it'll make your taste buds dance? This heavenly Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Imagine a velvety, smooth sauce that perfectly balances the bright tanginess of fresh tomatoes with the indulgent richness of heavy cream – all prepared in just 30 minutes! Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe will have you feeling like a true Italian culinary master in no time.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, slowly stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Continue to cook the sauce on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it sit for a minute. This will allow it to thicken slightly.
- Serve the tomato cream sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato cream sauce pasta!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to an exceptional sauce is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and good olive oil make a huge difference.
- Control Your Heat: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat medium-low to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can make your entire sauce taste bitter.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop deep, rich flavors. Rushing this process can result in a less developed taste.
- Cream Addition Technique: Add cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish. Tear the leaves just before serving to maximize flavor.
- Pasta Pairing: This sauce works beautifully with long pasta like fettuccine or linguine, but also pairs well with short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Make Ahead Tip: This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
