Tomato Pasta – creamy 20 minute dinner! 🍝🍅✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a delicious, wholesome creamy tomato pasta but have limited time, this quick dinner pasta recipe is your perfect solution. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. This 20 minute pasta recipe combines the silky smoothness of a creamy tomato sauce with al dente pasta for a comforting yet elegant meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, you’ll find that this recipe is simple, versatile, and guaranteed to delight the taste buds.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free cheese (optional)
3. Step-by-step: How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta
3.1. Cook the pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
3.2. Prepare the sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the sugar if desired and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3.3. Incorporate the cream
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors. For a richer taste, add grated Parmesan cheese at this stage, or for a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream.
3.4. Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Toss in fresh chopped basil for a burst of flavor and freshness.
4. Serving Tips and Presentation
This creamy tomato pasta is best served hot, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a light side salad to complement the richness of the dish. For an extra boost of flavor, check out our creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta for more inspiration.
5. Storage and Reheating
Leftover creamy tomato pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can overcook the sauce and make it break.
6. Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute dairy with coconut cream and vegan cheese.
- Using high-quality olive oil enhances the overall taste.
- Keep the heat moderate when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate fresh herbs for a vibrant finish, such as oregano or thyme.
7. FAQs About Creamy Tomato Pasta
Q: Can I make this pasta recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options like rice or chickpea pasta, available at most grocery stores. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions accordingly.
Q: How can I customize this quick dinner pasta?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables such as spinach or zucchini to make it heartier. Check out our creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta for inspiration on adding protein.
Q: Is the sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese to create a plant-based version of this creamy tomato pasta.
8. Conclusion
With just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious creamy tomato pasta that is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners. This quick dinner pasta recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal. Explore different variations, incorporate fresh herbs, and serve with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience. For more pasta ideas, visit our pasta recipe collection and elevate your culinary repertoire today!
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Tomato Pasta – creamy 20 minute dinner!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and creamy tomato pasta dinner in just 20 minutes with this wholesome and flavorful recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines al dente pasta with a silky, rich tomato sauce infused with fresh garlic, basil, and creamy goodness. Whether you prefer dairy or dairy-free options, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for comfort food without sacrificing time or taste.
Ingredients
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, not browned. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer. Add sugar if desired, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream or coconut cream, simmering gently for 3-5 minutes. Add grated Parmesan if using, or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free version.
- Add cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Stir in chopped basil for freshness.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- For vegan/dairy-free version, substitute cream with coconut cream and vegan cheese.
- High-quality olive oil enhances overall taste.
- Keep heat moderate when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate additional fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
