Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Balsamic Pasta
A rich and tangy pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of balsamic sweetness.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Prepare to fall in love with this Creamy Tomato Balsamic Pasta! It’s everything you want in a comforting bowl of pasta – a rich, velvety sauce with the perfect balance of sweet tomatoes and tangy balsamic, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Plus, it comes together in a flash!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp sugar)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and balsamic glaze (or vinegar/sugar mixture). Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 5
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
- If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can easily make it by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced and slightly thickened.
- Leftovers are delicious; the sauce really melds with the pasta overnight.
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