Fettuccine Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Have you ever crafted a dish so indulgent that it feels like comfort on a plate? Let me take you on a culinary adventure with my creamy tomato basil fettuccine—it’s a luscious harmony of velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta that’s destined to become your new go-to for dinner magic.

I adore the satisfying, creamy tomato sauce. It is my favorite sauce to pair with fettuccine.

In my recipe, I use a mix of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. They give the base of the sauce enough body and tomato flavor.

A few hits of seasoning (garlic, onion, and oregano) ensure the sauce has some depth. A little bit of heavy cream gives it a lush texture, and I finish it with copious amounts of grated Parmesan.

Fettuccine Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe Ingredients

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Fettuccine Pasta: Rich in carbohydrates, it provides energy and a satisfying base.

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Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats with antioxidant properties.

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Garlic: Offers bold flavor along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Crushed Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C and lycopene, promoting heart health.

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Dried Oregano: Aromatic herb rich in antioxidants, enhancing flavor depth.

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Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a spicy kick and metabolism-boosting capsaicin.

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Heavy Cream: Provides creamy texture with richness, adding indulgence.

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Parmesan Cheese: Offers umami flavor and protein with calcium benefits.

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Fresh Basil: Enhances freshness and nutrition with vitamins A and K.

Fettuccine Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan and basil for serving (optional)

How to Make this Fettuccine Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

1. Prepare the fettuccine as directed on the package in a large pot of water that has been salted and brought to a boil. When the pasta has cooked until almost done (the Italians would say “al dente,” or “to the tooth”), drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil and butter over a medium flame. Toss in the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft, sweet, and somewhat translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant.

4. Stir the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet.

5. Add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until thickened slightly.

6. Lower the heat to low. Stir the heavy cream slowly into the sauce, and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

7. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing it until it is fully melted and blended in.

8. In the skillet, add the cooked fettuccine, and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

9. Just before serving, stir the chopped fresh basil into the dish, making sure it is well dispersed throughout.

10. Present forthwith, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil, if you so wish.

Fettuccine Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Large frying pan or skillet
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Chef’s knife
8. Cutting board
9. Cheese grater
10. Ladle or heatproof cup (for reserving pasta water)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Definitely. Any pasta can be used in place of fettuccine in this recipe. Good options include spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
• Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?Substitutes that can be used include coconut cream or a non-dairy cream. These could slightly change the taste, though.
• How do I make this dish spicier?Boost the level of red pepper flakes or toss in a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?Certainly! The sauce can be made a full two days ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. When serving time comes, reheat the sauce carefully, making sure not to let it come to a full boil.
• Can I add meat or vegetables?Certainly! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers works splendidly.
• What if I don’t have fresh basil?Instead, you may use dried basil. However, start with 1 tablespoon, as it is a lot more concentrated.
• How can I make the sauce thicker?Simmer the sauce longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Fettuccine Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fettuccine pasta: If preferred, use linguine or spaghetti as a substitute.
Canola oil or sunflower oil can replace olive oil.
Butter without salt: Use butter with salt. Adjust other salty ingredients to taste.
To make crushed tomatoes, blend diced tomatoes until smooth, or use fresh tomatoes that have been cooked and mashed.
Use half-and-half to lighten. Substitute for heavy cream.

Pro Tips

1. Pasta Water Magic Always remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchiness of the pasta water helps the sauce adhere better and you can use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

2. Enhance Tomato Flavor Before adding the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, let the garlic and onion caramelize slightly. You can even deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar for added depth.

3. Cream Incorporation When adding the heavy cream, ensure the heat is low to prevent curdling. Stir continuously to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.

4. Fresh Herb Infusion When stirring in the fresh basil, gently tear or chiffonade the leaves instead of chopping them. This preserves the basil’s delicate oils and enhances its flavor.

5. Serving Touch Warm the serving plates slightly before plating the pasta. This helps maintain the dish’s temperature and ensures the pasta stays creamy until it’s ready to be enjoyed.