Ingredients
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 4-5 garlic cloves (sliced)
- 1 small white onion
- 1½ tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 14½ oz can diced tomato (roasted fire)
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese (room temp)
- ½ cup chopped basil
- 1-2 tbs pine nuts (optional)
Stove-top Directions
- Boil pasta according to instructions on the package (reserve some of the boiled pasta water).
- To a pan on medium-low heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and onion and saute for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add and mix in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and sugar.
- Then add can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Mix and let the cream cheese dissolve.
- Add some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce a little.
- Let the sauce come to a slight boil and then add the boiled pasta, followed by fresh basil. Adjust consistency of the pasta, you can add more water if needed.
- Add pine nuts (if using). Taste test and adjust the seasonings. Serve hot!