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 package directions. After cooking, drain the pasta. Before draining, however, pour a little of the pasta water into a mug.
• 2
  Meanwhile, peel the onion and garlic. Then 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 everything over low to medium heat for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 4
  Then add the drained pasta and 1⁄2 cup of the water (125 ml) in which it was cooked. Mix so that the pasta is coated in the sauce, and add the remaining 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 among individual plates and serve immediately.