Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 250 g Pasta of choice (Cook according to package instructions until al dente)
• 3 tbsp Butter (The method specifically adds 1 tbsp to the pan; the source does not specify when the remaining butter is used)
• 2 tbsp Oil (For heating the pan)
• 2 tbsp Garlic (Freshly minced)
• 0.5 Onion (Thinly diced)
• 4 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1.5 cup Unsweetened heavy cream (Unsweetened)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
• Salt (To taste)
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Red chili flakes
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup Reserved pasta water (Reserve from cooking the pasta)
• Water (A splash, for deglazing the pan)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add 1 tbsp butter to the heated oil and let it melt.

4. 4

   Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the thinly diced onion and cook until translucent.

6. 6

   Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

7. 7

   Deglaze the pan with a splash of water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

8. 8

   Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes.

9. 9

   Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.

10. 10

    Bring the creamy tomato mixture to a simmer.

11. 11

    Reduce the heat to low.

12. 12

    Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a smooth sauce.

13. 13

    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

14. 14

    If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.

15. 15

    Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

The source lists 3 tbsp butter, but the method explicitly directs adding 1 tbsp; it does not explain when to use the remaining butter. The amount of deglazing water is unspecified.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• vegetarian
• creamy
• cheesy
• stovetop
• Italian-inspired
• quick meal