Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBomboliniOdka Pasta Sau Cre Sta Mato Sauce Recipe

Odka Pasta Sau Cre Sta Mato Sauce Recipe

Inspired by Bombolini
Time35m
Serves4

Make Odka Pasta Sau Cre Sta Mato Sauce Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Method

Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil water and cook pasta

    Bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz dried pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Tomato-Cream Sauce (Sauc e Cresta Mato style)

  1. 2

    Sweat aromatics

    In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until the butter melts and foams. Add 1 cup finely diced yellow onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.

  2. 3

    Build tomato base

    Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize briefly, which deepens flavor. Add the entire 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes to concentrate the sauce and mellow acidity.

  3. 4

    Finish with cream and cheese

    Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream, then add 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until sauce is silky and slightly thickened. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting salt/pepper as needed. Stir in 10 torn basil leaves.

Combine & Finish

  1. 5

    Combine pasta and sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce pan. Toss to coat, adding up to 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy, clingy texture. Cook together over low heat for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce.

  2. 6

    Finish and serve

    If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon butter for a glossy finish. Plate the pasta and garnish with 2 tablespoons extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

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