Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A comforting and vibrant pasta dish featuring a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil. It's quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.

0.0 · 0 ratings
45 min (15m prep, 30m cook)
4 servings
ItalianMain CourseVegetarianPescatarianNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 12 oz Fettuccine or Spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, plus extra for serving)
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

  3. 3

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Mix well until combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the cooked, drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick, to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Chef's Tips

  • 💡Always reserve some pasta water! It's a chef's secret for emulsifying sauces and helping them cling beautifully to the pasta.
  • 💡For an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté 1/2 a finely diced onion or shallot with the garlic in step 2.
  • 💡Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp at the end for a more substantial meal.

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