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To make creamy tomato basil pasta, you need a few key items. Start with your choice of pasta. Fettuccine or penne works great. Next, gather the flavorings that will make your dish pop. You will need garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil. These ingredients bring out the best flavors. For the creamy base, you will need heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heavy cream gives the sauce richness, while Parmesan adds a savory touch. Here’s your list of essential ingredients: - 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Feel like spicing things up? You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. This small addition can transform your dish. If you love herbs, feel free to include other spices. Oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor even more. Here’s a quick look at optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Additional herbs or spices Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite when you eat it. After cooking, drain the pasta, but remember to save some of that pasta water. This water is starchy and will help thicken your sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in one teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Now, reduce the heat to low. Add one cup of heavy cream to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. This will make your sauce creamy and rich. Then, add one cup of chopped fresh basil to the sauce and stir. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps reach your desired consistency without losing flavor. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat it evenly. Cook for an additional two minutes on low heat. This helps the pasta absorb the sauce. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice cheesy flavor. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Your creamy tomato basil pasta is now ready to serve! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make your creamy tomato basil pasta perfect, focus on the sauce's texture. Start with the heavy cream. Pour it in slowly. Stir well and let it cook gently. This gives you that rich, creamy feel. If it feels too thick, use some reserved pasta water. This helps you find the right balance. Adjusting the seasoning is key. Taste as you cook. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. A little sugar can help cut the acidity of the tomatoes. This small step makes a big impact on taste. Want to save time? Use pre-cooked or refrigerated pasta. This cuts your cooking time in half. Just warm it up in the sauce for a few minutes. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the garlic and basil before you start. This way, you can focus on cooking and mix everything smoothly. It helps make your cooking experience more enjoyable and less stressful. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can make this creamy tomato basil pasta lighter and healthier. Start by swapping heavy cream with lighter options. Try using Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a creamy texture with fewer calories. You can also use almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative. Another great choice is using whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Whole grain pasta adds fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pasta allows those with gluten intolerance to enjoy the dish. Both options work well with the creamy sauce and enhance the meal. To make your pasta more exciting, you can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, while mushrooms bring a rich, earthy taste. Sauté these veggies with your garlic for a flavorful boost. If you want to add protein, consider chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken provides a hearty addition, while shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet flavor. Both pair well with the creamy sauce and make the dish more filling. For side dishes, consider a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the rich pasta. You might also serve garlic bread for a classic touch. It’s great for soaking up the extra sauce. When it comes to wine, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. Its acidity cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir can also be a good match. Enjoying these pairings elevates your dining experience with creamy tomato basil pasta. For the full recipe, check out the section above. After you enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta, store leftovers correctly. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about three to four days. Make sure to label your container with the date. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. Just remember to divide it into portions for easy thawing later. When it’s time to reheat, keep it creamy and delicious. The best method is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of water or milk to the pan. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use the microwave, cover the bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the creaminess intact. Avoid cooking it too long to prevent overcooked pasta. Enjoy your meal just as good as the first time! You can make this recipe vegetarian by skipping meat products. Instead of chicken or sausage, use vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add great flavor and texture. You can also toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. This saves time on busy days. If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Silken tofu blended with a bit of milk works well too. These alternatives keep the creaminess without the full calories. This creamy tomato basil pasta lasts in the fridge for about three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat it on low heat. You can use many herbs to change the flavor of this dish. Try oregano for an Italian twist or thyme for a warm taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. For a bit of spice, use cilantro. Each herb brings its unique flavor, making your meal special. This blog post explored how to make creamy tomato basil pasta. We discussed key ingredients like pasta, garlic, and fresh basil. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and preparing the sauce. You learned tips for achieving the perfect creamy consistency, and variations to make it lighter or add flavors. In conclusion, enjoy this dish in any way you wish. Its versatility makes it easy to personalize. Remember to experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Your pasta creation will surely impress anyone who tries it!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of delicious creamy tomato basil pasta that's quick and easy to make! This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich and creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is ready in only 30 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

      Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.

        Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.

          Mix in Basil: Add the chopped basil to the sauce and stir until it’s well mixed. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

            Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on low heat until heated through.

              Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve: Divide the creamy tomato basil pasta among plates or bowls. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4