Delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe to Try
Indulge in the comforting embrace of this Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta. A simple yet luxurious dish, it features al dente pasta coated in a luscious sauce bursting with the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes and the aromatic freshness of basil. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil leaves if desired.
Time Estimates
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 600
- Servings: 4
- Carbs: 80g
- Protein: 20g
- Fats: 25g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 6g
