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A close-up of a bowl of creamy tomato pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves, featuring a rich red sauce with hints of cream, topped with grated cheese, and served with a side of rustic bread under warm lighting.

Tomato Pasta – creamy 20 minute dinner!

  • Author: Maria
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/tomato-pasta-creamy-20-minute-dinner-3/