Go Back

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Rich tomato cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan coats tender pasta in this quick 30-minute dinner that feels restaurant-quality.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne or rigatoni pasta 450g
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium shallot or small onion finely diced
  • 3-4 cloves large garlic minced
  • 6 oz tomato paste 170g
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package suggests.
  2. Before draining, carefully scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the paste turns deep brick red and becomes thick.
  6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the butter, grated cheese, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water.
  8. Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more pasta water until it reaches desired consistency.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Reheat in skillet over medium-low heat or microwave at 70% power in 1-minute intervals. Make-Ahead: Sauce can be made ahead and stored separately from pasta for up to 3 days. Substitutions: Use half-and-half for lighter version, vegetable broth for vegetarian, or gluten-free pasta. Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.