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!
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.