Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 clove garlic
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and heated through.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.