Creamy Tomato and Pea Pasta Delight
Indulge in this luscious and satisfying creamy pasta dish that's a breeze to prepare! Bursting with fresh flavors from juicy diced tomatoes, sweet peas, and aromatic basil, this one-pot meal comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfectly al dente penne pasta binds with a rich cream sauce, making it a family favorite for any weeknight dinner. For those who crave a protein boost, feel free to elevate the dish by sautéing succulent shrimp or savory Italian sausage to accompany it. This dish not only delights the palate but also simplifies cleanup, so you can enjoy quality time with loved ones around the dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
diced tomatoes
2 cans (with juices)
frozen peas
10 ounces (unthawed)
fresh basil leaf
1/4 cup (chopped)
heavy cream
1/4 cup (for sauce)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2
One minute before the pasta is fully cooked, add the frozen peas to the boiling water with the pasta. Stir gently to combine.
3
Once cooked, drain the pasta and peas together, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
4
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), followed by the chopped basil, heavy cream, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through without boiling.
6
If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Add the drained pasta and peas to the pot, tossing to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute until everything is warmed through.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of penne pasta.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This meal can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes.
Is the Creamy Tomato and Pea Pasta Delight vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian.
What proteins can I add to this pasta?
You can elevate the dish by adding sautéed succulent shrimp or savory Italian sausage.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use two cans of diced tomatoes and ensure you include their juices.
When should I add the frozen peas?
Add the frozen peas to the boiling pasta water one minute before the pasta is fully cooked.
Do I need to thaw the peas before cooking?
No, the peas should be added to the boiling water while still unthawed.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from 1/4 cup of heavy cream combined with the tomato juices.
Can I substitute the penne with another pasta?
While penne is recommended, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much heavy cream is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of heavy cream for the sauce.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
Gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a one-pot meal to simplify cleanup.
Should I use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
How many cans of diced tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses 2 cans of diced tomatoes.
What size onion is required?
You will need one medium-sized onion.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of uncooked penne pasta.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be chopped before sautéing.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it is soft and translucent.
Do I drain the tomatoes before adding them to the pot?
No, pour in the diced tomatoes along with all their juices.
What is the recommended cooking texture for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
When do I add the crushed red pepper flakes?
Add them to the pot along with the tomatoes, basil, heavy cream, and salt.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with extra basil if desired.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a weeknight favorite.
How long does the sauce mixture need to cook?
Cook the sauce mixture for about 5 minutes to allow it to heat through.
Should the sauce be boiled?
No, the mixture should be heated through without reaching a boil.
What makes this dish a family favorite?
Its luscious texture, fresh flavors, and easy cleanup make it ideal for family meals.