This Simple Pasta Sauce is the ultimate weeknight savior, offering a luxurious blend of savory tomatoes and velvety cream without the fuss of traditional ragù. By combining the acidity of canned plum tomatoes with the richness of heavy cream and butter, you achieve a balanced, restaurant-quality flavor profile that clings beautifully to pasta. The aroma of sautéed garlic and onion fills the kitchen, promising a comforting meal. ItâÂÂs perfect for tossing with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Ideal for busy families or quick date nights, this sauce requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, for a dish that feels homemade and hearty.
Simple Pasta Sauce
Description
This Simple Pasta Sauce is the ultimate weeknight savior, offering a luxurious blend of savory tomatoes and velvety cream without the fuss of traditional rag&# 195;¹. By combining the acidity of canned plum tomatoes with the richness of heavy cream and butter, you achieve a balanced, restaurant-quality flavor profile that clings beautifully to pasta. The aroma of sautéed garlic and onion fills the kitchen, promising a comforting meal. ItâÂÂs perfect for tossing with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Ideal for busy families or quick date nights, this sauce requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, for a dish that feels homemade and hearty.Ingredients
Directions
-
Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Drain the canned plum tomatoes, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid.
-
Add the drained tomatoes and the reserved 1/4 cup liquid to the skillet.
-
Break the tomatoes apart using a wooden spoon to create a chunky sauce texture.
-
Season with fresh ground black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
-
Pour the heavy cream into the sauce and stir gently to combine.
-
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
-
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh minced parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 417.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.8g20%
- Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
- Cholesterol 10.8mg4%
- Sodium 125.7mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 73.1g25%
- Dietary Fiber 22.4g90%
- Sugars 48.5g
- Protein 16.9g34%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much.
Substitutions: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though it may be less rich. Fresh tomatoes can be used in season, but canned plum tomatoes often provide a more consistent flavor and texture.
Variations: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a hearty main course. For a vegan option, omit the butter, cream, and parmesan, using olive oil and nutritional yeast instead.
Tips: Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes to avoid scratching your non-stick skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed, keeping in mind that parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
