SPRING HILL RANCH'S PASTA WITH TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

Spring Hill Ranch's Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce image

Provided by Wiley P

Categories Seafood

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp salted butter
1 small yellow or white onion, diced
5 medium cloves of garlic, minced
1 can(s) (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can(s) (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with the juice)
1/2 c white wine (suggest Pinot Grigio or Gewürztraminer)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 lb dried pasta (suggest string pasta, i.e. fettuccine, linguini, spaghetti, etc.)
salted water to cook the pasta
1 c heavy cream (or half & half if you must)
1/2 c grated Asiago cheese (or Parmesan or pecorino romano)
8 or 9 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil flakes)
OPTIONAL:
1/2 lb fresh button mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast or thigh meat, chopped
1 lb small shrimp, shelled and de-veined, fresh or frozen/thawed, raw or pre-cooked

Steps:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and melt the butter. Once the butter stops sputtering, add the onions, garlic and mushrooms (if using). Sauté them for couple minutes or so, 'til the onions begin to soften.
2. If you are using chicken pieces, add them to the onion mixture and continue to sauté until they are about cooked through, 4 or 5 minutes and leave them in the pan.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, wine, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes and pepper. Stir and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
5. While the pasta is cooking, if you are using uncooked shrimp, sauté them in a separate pan with a little butter until they are pink, about 3 minutes, then remove them from the heat, but keep them warm.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat, add in the cooked shrimp (if using) and stir in the cream. Add the cheese, and check the seasonings. If needed, thin the sauce with some of the reserved pasta water. Add the cooked pasta and chopped basil, toss and serve immediately.