Karens Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipes

CREAMY TOMATO BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce.
• Add the butter, onion and red pepper flakes (if using) to a large skillet over medium-hight heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft.
• Reduce heat to medium, and pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and then simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Mix in the parmesan cheese until melted, then add the cooked pasta. Mix until the sauce coats the pasta. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for a couple minutes. As it simmers, you may need to add pasta water to thin out the sauce. Start with 1/4 cup of pasta water and add more as needed. Stir in the fresh basil and serve immediately.
• Garnish the pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

KAREN'S CREAMY TOMATO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place farfalle pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until evenly brown. Mix in the roasted red peppers, mushrooms, and vodka, and bring to a boil. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until most of the vodka has evaporated and mushrooms are tender.
• Mix the tomatoes, half-and-half, and red pepper into the skillet. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, 15 minutes. Serve over the cooked pasta, and top with Parmesan cheese.