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Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spiced Twist

This dish features a rich and velvety tomato sauce infused with cream and a secret spice blend, served over al dente pasta. The sauce is simmered to develop deep flavors and finished with roasted garlic and fresh basil for a fragrant, appealing final appearance.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli) uncooked
  • 4 cloves garlic roasted or sautéed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes preferably canned
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons spice mix smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, optional pinch of cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • fresh basil leaves basil chopped, for garnish
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet or saucepan
  • Cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, until golden and aromatic.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in the spice blend, simmering the sauce for 10 minutes to develop deep flavors and a slightly thickened consistency. Clear bubbles will form as it simmers.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream slowly, watching the sauce turn a beautiful, smooth pink hue and develop a silky texture. Continue simmering gently for another 5 minutes.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed, ensuring a balanced, flavorful base.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly with the rich, creamy mixture. The sauce should cling to the pasta, creating a inviting appearance.
  7. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves for brightness and aroma. Serve immediately, enjoying the velvety, vibrant dish with a fragrant basil topping.