Print

Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 86 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe offers a rich and flavorful sauce made with tomato paste, heavy cream, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. It combines fragrant garlic, sautéed onions, and a blend of spices to create a luscious, velvety sauce that's perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick, comforting meal that tastes indulgent yet is simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 250 g pasta of choice

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic, freshly minced
  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook onions: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, which should take a few minutes.
  4. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop the flavor. Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with your spoon or spatula.
  5. Season the sauce: Add salt to taste, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Stir thoroughly to blend all the spices evenly into the sauce.
  6. Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Incorporate cheese and butter: Lower the heat to low, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, white cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth.
  8. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly until every strand or piece is evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta as a fresh garnish. Serve the creamy tomato pasta hot, directly from the skillet to plates or bowls.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; the sauce thickens upon standing.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-sauce-recipe/