Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with the recipe for a Surprisingly Good Tomato Cream Sauce for Pasta, along with its history, ingredients, instructions, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.
Recipe: Surprisingly Good Tomato Cream Sauce for Pasta
History: The origin of tomato cream sauce dates back to Italian cuisine, where tomato-based sauces are a staple. The addition of cream to the traditional tomato sauce creates a rich and velvety texture, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a creamy, savory flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne), cooked and drained
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
- Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the tomato mixture. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve the pasta with the tomato cream sauce immediately, and enjoy!
Preparation Steps:
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce following the instructions above.
- Once the sauce is ready, toss it with the cooked and drained pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Preparation Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
This recipe yields a delightful tomato cream sauce that beautifully complements your favorite pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for the “Surprisingly Good Tomato Cream Sauce for Pasta” recipe:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: Around 300-350 calories
- Total Fat: About 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Around 8-10g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40-50mg
- Sodium: Around 300-400mg
- Carbohydrates: About 25-30g
- Dietary Fiber: Around 2-4g
- Sugars: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: About 7-9g
Health Information:
- This tomato cream sauce is relatively high in fat and calories due to the inclusion of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. While fats are an essential part of the diet, it’s important to consume them in moderation.
- The saturated fat content in the cream and cheese might contribute to higher levels of saturated fat intake, which can impact heart health if consumed excessively.
- Tomatoes provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to potential health benefits including heart health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
- The sauce includes garlic and onions, which can offer various health benefits, including potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Opting for whole-grain pasta can increase the dietary fiber content of the meal, aiding in digestion and providing a slower release of energy.
- While this sauce can be a tasty indulgence, it’s important to balance it with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods in your diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s a good idea to adjust the recipe and portion size to align with your dietary needs and goals.