Creamy Tomato Pasta Without Cream
A rich and silky tomato pasta made without cream, using roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Finished with butter and parmesan for a naturally creamy texture and deep flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot
5–6 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, handful
4 cups cherry tomatoes
1 cup vegetable stock
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Rigatoni pasta
Salt for pasta water
Reserved pasta water
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Additional red pepper flakes
Fresh basil leaves
Small mozzarella cheese balls (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the cherry tomatoes, shallot, and garlic on a large sheet pan.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything evenly to coat.
Roast for 45 to 50 minutes until the tomatoes burst and become slightly charred.
Blend the Sauce
Carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and shallots to a blender.
Add the fresh basil leaves and vegetable stock.
Blend until smooth and silky.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large skillet or pan, brown the butter over medium-high heat.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
Add the cooked rigatoni and toss until fully coated.
If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Taste and season with additional salt and oregano if desired.
Garnish and Serve
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls if using.
Notes
Roasting the tomatoes deeply enhances their sweetness and flavor.
Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce texture.
Add extra garlic for a stronger flavor profile.
Mozzarella balls add a creamy finishing touch without using heavy cream.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-without-cream/
