Creamy Tomato Pasta
This one-pot creamy tomato pasta blends Mediterranean roots with modern comfort. It's made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream, creating a rich, velvety sauce that’s deeply flavorful but light enough for everyday meals.
Equipment
- large pot
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- knife and chopping board
- ladle (optional, for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 500 g ground beef (optional)
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g crushed tomatoes or passata
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 350 g short pasta (fusilli, penne, elbow)
- ¾ cup thickened or single cream
- to taste salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add ground beef if using, breaking it apart and browning fully. Stir in Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds to release aroma.
- Add tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then stir well to combine.
- Add uncooked pasta to the pot and stir thoroughly to coat. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly al dente.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let rest briefly before serving. Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Customize with seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. For extra protein, add shredded chicken or lentils. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk. Skip cream when freezing; stir it in after thawing for best texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 24gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 980IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 4mg