Rich tomato-cream pasta, quick to make, bursting with comforting Italian-inspired flavors, ready in minutes.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 7 ounces pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
02 - Salt, for boiling water
→ Sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
06 - 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
07 - 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
10 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
11 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta using a colander.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes if using; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Stir in the crushed tomatoes or tomato passata, sugar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
04 - Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is heated through, smooth, and creamy.
05 - Add the drained pasta and the reserved cooking water to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy tomato sauce.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
