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–+ servings
finished gigli pasta in tomato and cream sauce in large saucepan

GIGLI PASTA IN TOMATO & CREAM SAUCE

A cozy pasta dish featuring Tuscan gigli pasta tossed in a velvety tomato-cream sauce with parmesan. Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or a romantic date night in.
Author: Michelle @ An Italian Kitchen
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Sautè Pan (with high sides)
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Shallot - minced
  • 2 Garlic Cloves - minced
  • 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Broth - or water
  • ¼ cup Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated - plus more for garnish
  • 8 oz Gigli Pasta - or another pasta shape you prefer. Usually this is ½ of a standard package (16 oz) of dried pasta

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring 4–5 quarts (16–20 cups) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  • Add 1–1½ Tablespoons sea salt and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions.

While the Pasta Cooks, Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a large sautè pan (with high sides), heat olive oil and butter on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add minced shallot and cook for 2 minutes; then add garlic and heat an additional minute.
  • Add vegetable broth (or water) and let evaporate by heating for 2 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and gently whisk to combine.
  • Whisk in cream and salt, increasing heat to med-high, and bring to a low boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Whisk in lemon juice until incorporated; then remove from heat and whisk in parmesan cheese.

Combine Pasta & Sauce:

  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • Add pasta to tomato cream sauce, with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water
  • Toss for 2 minutes using tongs until the pasta is coated and fully cooked. If needed, add the remaining ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • Buon Appetito!

Notes

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Course First Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Tomato Pasta, Easy, Gigli Pasta in Tomato & Cream Sauce, Pasta and tomato cream recipe, Tuscan, Vegetarian
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