Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich and velvety tomato cream sauce infused with fresh garlic and fragrant basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying vegetarian meal with a luscious balance of creamy and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chopped basil leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it as desired.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken for extra protein and flavor variations.
- This sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
