Creamy Tomato Meat Sauce Pasta
This Creamy Tomato Meat Sauce Pasta is comfort in a bowl! A rich, velvety sauce with hearty meat and tangy tomatoes makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or fusilli
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey lean
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes high-quality, no added sugar or salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, avoiding burning.
- Add 1 pound ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break apart and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Pour in 2 cups canned diced tomatoes, stir to combine with meat and aromatics. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and reduce tomatoes slightly.
- Lower heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Heat through and thicken for 3-5 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Add drained pasta directly into skillet with sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Grate carrots or zucchini into the sauce to add extra veggies.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Cook pasta directly in the sauce for a one-pan meal by adding extra liquid and simmering until tender.