Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb linguine pasta (or any pasta of your choice); 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 chicken breast, sliced into thin strips (optional); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 28 oz tomatoes (fresh or canned, diced or roughly chopped); 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 5-7 fresh basil leaves); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Additional kosher salt, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy tomato pasta is a perfect combination of savory and creamy flavors, with a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The addition of fresh tomatoes and a dash of basil gives it a fresh, vibrant taste. The option to add chicken or shrimp makes it customizable to your preference, while the Parmesan cheese and chives on top provide a burst of flavor. It’s a quick, easy, and indulgent meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

1 lb linguine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
1 tablespoon neutral oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 chicken breast, sliced into thin strips (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz tomatoes (fresh or canned, diced or roughly chopped)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 5-7 fresh basil leaves)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Additional kosher salt, to taste

To Serve:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2-3 tablespoons chopped chives

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken (if using):

Heat the butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat. If using chicken, add the sliced chicken breast and cook over high heat, stirring often, until the chicken is slightly browned (about 4 minutes). Once cooked, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

If there’s no butter or oil left in the pan, add another tablespoon or two. Add the finely diced onions and sauté, stirring often, until they are lightly golden and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Tomatoes:

Add the diced tomatoes and dried basil to the pan, and cook until the tomatoes break down and the liquid reduces and thickens (about 10 minutes). Add the cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 3 minutes until it thickens further. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook the Pasta:

Meanwhile, bring about 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, along with the cooked chicken (if using). Toss the pasta in the sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce.

6. Serve:

Transfer the creamy tomato pasta to a serving platter. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Shrimp: Substitute the chicken for shrimp to make a seafood version of this creamy tomato pasta.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spicy Tomato Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Herbed Version: Fresh basil is great, but feel free to add other herbs like oregano or thyme for more depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This creamy tomato pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like! Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli would work just as well as linguine in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish without cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a slightly different flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the creamy tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Adding spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers would be a great way to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

6. Can I skip the chicken?

Yes, if you’re vegetarian or just prefer to skip the meat, this creamy tomato pasta is delicious on its own or with the addition of other veggies.

7. Can I freeze this pasta?

You can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce while it simmers.

9. What can I serve with this pasta?

This creamy tomato pasta pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

10. How do I make the sauce creamier?

To make the sauce even creamier, you can add more heavy cream, or a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone for extra richness.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, creamy sauce and al dente pasta. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With options to customize with chicken, shrimp, or extra vegetables, it’s easy to make it your own. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, this creamy tomato pasta will become a staple in your recipe collection!