Creamy Tomato Pasta

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1
  First, prepare the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add 2 teaspoons of salt, add the pasta, and cook for 10–12 minutes over medium heat or according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain the pasta. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water.
• 2
  Meanwhile, peel the onion and garlic. Finely chop the onion and press the garlic.
• 3
  In a deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté for 2–3 minutes over low to medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and chili flakes to the onion and sauté for 30–60 seconds over low to medium heat. Add the tomato paste and sauté for another 1 minute over low to medium heat. Then pour in 200 ml of cooking cream, add cayenne pepper and finely chopped fresh basil, and cook over low to medium heat for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 4
  Then add the drained pasta and 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce and add more reserved pasta water as needed. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of butter and finely grated Parmesan, and stir for 1–2 minutes over low heat until the cheese and butter melt.
• 5
  Divide the finished creamy tomato pasta onto individual plates and serve immediately.