Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce

Whenever I think of comfort food, Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce immediately comes to mind. This dish reminds me of cozy evenings spent with family and friends, indulging in rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s that perfect balance of hearty and satisfying that leaves you craving more. I remember the first time I made this sauce; the combination of melting butter and sautéed onions filled my kitchen with an aroma that made everyone gather around. As the creamy concoction thickened, we couldn’t wait to dig in. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce

For this recipe, the ingredients are carefully selected to create a rich and delicious sauce. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and texture, working in harmony to enhance the dish. The key players include bucatin pasta, which provides a delightful chew, and heavy cream, which gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• 16 ounces bucatin or your favorite pasta – The star of this dish, offering great texture.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter – Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced – Provides a sweet base flavor.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, freshly minced – Adds a savory punch.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sauté the onions and garlic.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked – Adds a mild heat.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings a blend of herbs and spices.
• 6 ounces tomato paste – Provides depth and richness.
• 1½ cups heavy cream – Makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
• 1½ cups reserved pasta water – This will adjust the sauce’s consistency.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for topping – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Brightens up the dish.
• Black pepper, freshly cracked – For finishing touches.
• Parmesan cheese or asiago – Optional for additional flavor.

Directions for Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce

Making Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce is a delightful experience that will have your kitchen filled with mouth-watering aromas. Follow these steps closely for a dish that’s sure to impress.

1. Boil the pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatin and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1½ cups of pasta water before draining the pasta. This water is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce!

2. Sauté the onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be patient and let them soften for the best flavor.

3. Add garlic and olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and olive oil. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning. You want the garlic to become fragrant, not burnt.

4. Season. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir for about a minute, allowing the spices to bloom and enhance the flavor of the sautéed vegetables.

5. Add the tomato paste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it deepens in color and combines well with the vegetables. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.

6. Pour in the heavy cream. Carefully stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for a couple of minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the colors come together beautifully.

7. Add pasta water and cheese. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, starting with 2 tablespoons at a time. Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Adjust the consistency to your liking, and then turn off the heat.

Making Adjustments

Every cook has their own flair! Here are some tips to tailor Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce to your taste and needs.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Pairing: This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins, like spinach or grilled chicken, to make it more filling.
• Serving: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a beautiful presentation.

Serving This Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce

When it comes to serving Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce, the options are endless! Here’s how to make the most out of this delicious dish:

• Perfect for dinner: This pasta is a fantastic choice for a family dinner, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to the table.
• Lunch delight: Try it as a hearty lunch option. Reheat leftovers for a quick meal that tastes just as good.
• Goes well with sides: Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to balance the richness.
• Occasions: Ideal for gatherings, casual dinners, or even special occasions. Everyone loves a creamy pasta dish!
• Adjust to seasons: In fall, add roasted vegetables for extra flavor and seasonal appeal.
• Make it festive: For celebrations, elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a touch of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce is a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite. It’s ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this delightful sauce and savor the rich flavors it brings to your table. You won’t regret it!

Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Bucatini Pasta Sauce is rich, creamy, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering, this dish will leave everyone craving more. It’s a fast and easy weeknight dinner that you can whip up in no time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 590 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces bucatin or your favorite pasta
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ medium yellow onion diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic freshly minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups reserved pasta water
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for topping
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• black pepper freshly cracked
• Parmesan cheese or asiago

Instructions

 

• Boil the pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatin and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1½ cups of pasta water before draining the pasta. This water is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce!
• Sauté the onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be patient and let them soften for the best flavor.
• Add garlic and olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and olive oil. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning. You want the garlic to become fragrant, not burnt.
• Season. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir for about a minute, allowing the spices to bloom and enhance the flavor of the sautéed vegetables.
• Add the tomato paste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it deepens in color and combines well with the vegetables. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
• Pour in the heavy cream. Carefully stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for a couple of minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the colors come together beautifully.
• Add pasta water and cheese. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, starting with 2 tablespoons at a time. Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Adjust the consistency to your liking, and then turn off the heat.

Notes

• Tip 1: Let the onion and garlic soften—not brown—for the best flavor base.
• Tip 2: Use freshly minced garlic (PLEASE!!)
• Tip 3: Use tomato paste, not sauce. Tomato paste gives this dish depth and richness that sauce just can’t match.
• Tip 4: Save that pasta water! It’s the secret to adjusting the sauce to your liking and evenly coating the pasta, so don’t skip it.

Keyword bucatin recipe, creamy pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, Italian Comfort Food

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.