Craving a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in minutes? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Tomato Cream Sauce recipe. This incredibly simple yet utterly delicious pasta sauce is destined to become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal at home. Taken from the renowned Pioneer Woman cookbook, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a truly satisfying meal. Even the pickiest eaters will devour this creamy tomato pasta, and you’ll be amazed at how such few ingredients can create such a rich and flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15-oz) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Dash of sugar, or more to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to the package directions. Make sure to reserve a bit of the hot pasta water before draining, as this can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 4 minutes. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your Pioneer Woman Tomato Cream Sauce.
- Pour in the tomato sauce or marinara sauce into the skillet with the softened onions and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let it cook until warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. The cream is what gives this tomato sauce its signature richness and velvety texture.
- Add the grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked al dente and drained, immediately add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce.
- Toss the pasta and sauce together until every strand of fettuccine is beautifully coated in the luscious Pioneer Woman Tomato Cream Sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the reserved hot pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil. This adds a final touch of flavor and freshness to your Pioneer Woman Tomato Cream Sauce pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious meal!
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Tomato Cream Sauce
- Pasta Water is Key: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s starchy and helps to bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silkier texture.
- Fresh Garlic and Onion: Using fresh garlic and onion makes a big difference in the depth of flavor compared to powders.
- Adjust Sweetness: The dash of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the amount to your preference, especially depending on the sweetness of your tomato sauce.
- Cheese Choice: Parmesan and Romano cheese both work wonderfully. For a sharper flavor, go with Pecorino Romano.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onions.
- Make it a Meal: Serve this Pioneer Woman Tomato Cream Sauce pasta as a main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers would also be delicious additions.
Recipe Source: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier
