Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta (When You’re Down to Pantry Staples)

Ingredients

• 8 oz Penne Pasta (any shape such as rotini; can use gluten‑free or high‑protein pasta)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp Garlic (minced; can use 3 fresh cloves)
• 15 oz Tomato Sauce (plain canned tomato sauce)
• 0.75 cup Heavy Cream (heavy whipping cream)
• 0.25 tsp Italian Seasoning Blend (dried herb blend)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
• 4 oz Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; optional pre‑grated)
• 0.5 cup Fresh Basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Boil Water and Salt

   Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil over high heat, and sprinkle in about ½ tsp salt.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: high heat

2. Cook Pasta

   Add the 8 oz of penne (or rotini) to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to the package, about 11 minutes.

   Time: PT11M

   Temperature: medium‑high

3. Sauté Garlic in Butter

   While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over high heat, then add 1 tbsp minced garlic and cook 30‑60 seconds until fragrant.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: high heat

4. Add Sauce Base

   Stir in the 15 oz tomato sauce, ¾ cup heavy cream, ¼ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium

5. Simmer Sauce

   Reduce heat to medium‑low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium‑low

6. Incorporate Parmesan

   Add 4 oz grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: low

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Drain the cooked pasta in a strainer, return it to the pot, turn off the heat, and toss with the sauce until evenly coated.

   Time: PT1M

8. Add Fresh Basil

   Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh basil, mixing just until incorporated.

   Time: PT1M

9. Serve and Garnish

   Plate the pasta, topping each serving with extra chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

560

Protein

15g

Carbohydrates

65g

Fat

25g

Fiber

4g