Description
A creamy, slightly spicy tomato pasta made with tomato paste, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan, tossed with tender shell pasta for a silky, comforting dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) small shell pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) tomato paste
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over medium high heat.
- Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting the sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly darkened. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Add crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Cook the tomato paste long enough to remove any raw flavor and deepen its sweetness.
- Add pasta water gradually to achieve a silky, glossy sauce consistency.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Gigi Hadid Pasta, creamy tomato pasta, viral pasta recipe, spicy cream pasta, easy pasta dinner