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To make creamy tomato basil pasta, you will need: - 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving These ingredients blend well to create a rich and creamy dish. The pasta acts as the base, while the tomatoes, garlic, and basil bring in bold flavors. The heavy cream adds that luxurious texture. Some optional ingredients can enhance your dish: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat - A splash of white wine for depth - Fresh oregano or thyme for more aroma Adding these extras can elevate the taste. Each brings a twist that can make your pasta unique and even more delightful. If you don’t have certain ingredients, here are some good swaps: - Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. - Use canned tomato sauce if crushed tomatoes are not available. - Swap fresh basil with dried basil in a pinch, but use less. These substitutions will keep the dish flavorful. You can enjoy creamy tomato basil pasta no matter what you have on hand. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps! To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 oz of your favorite pasta. I like fettuccine or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Look for that perfect al dente texture. When it's done, drain it well, but save half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This helps later to make the sauce smooth. Set your pasta aside. Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir this for about a minute, just until you smell that wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic turn brown. Burnt garlic can ruin the taste. After savoring the garlic scent, carefully pour in a can of 14 oz crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to cut the acidity. Season it well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mix and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to blend together nicely. Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce cook gently for another 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic happens; the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Next, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil to the mix. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time. Now, toss in the cooked pasta, mixing it well so every piece gets coated. Let it cook on low for 2 more minutes. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is creamy. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it up nice and hot, garnished with more cheese or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. When making creamy tomato basil pasta, some mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to watch for: - Overcooking the Pasta: Always cook pasta until it is al dente. This keeps it firm and prevents it from becoming mushy. - Burning the Garlic: Garlic adds flavor but burns quickly. Sauté it gently and keep an eye on it. - Skipping the Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t skip this step! - Not Reserving Pasta Water: This starchy water helps adjust sauce thickness. Always save some before draining the pasta. To create a rich and creamy sauce, follow these tips: - Use Heavy Cream: It gives the sauce a thick and smooth feel. Avoid light cream, as it won’t be as rich. - Simmer Gently: After adding the cream, keep the heat low. This allows flavors to meld without boiling the cream. - Add Fresh Basil Last: Stir in the basil just before serving. This keeps it vibrant and fresh. - Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps reach your desired creaminess. Cooking pasta correctly sets the stage for your dish. Here are some best practices: - Use Plenty of Water: Fill a large pot with plenty of salted water. This allows pasta to move freely and cook evenly. - Salt the Water: Add salt to the boiling water. This flavors the pasta itself. - Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta in the pot to prevent it from sticking together. - Taste for Doneness: Start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the package time ends. This ensures perfect texture. Following these tips will help you craft a creamy tomato basil pasta that is rich and flavorful. For complete guidance, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Fettuccine and penne are popular choices. However, you can also try spaghetti, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Each shape holds the sauce differently. For a fun twist, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. These options add taste and texture to your meal. To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the cheese or use a vegetarian alternative. For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can add color and nutrients. Adding protein can make this dish even heartier. Grilled chicken is a great option. Simply slice it and toss it with the pasta. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Cook the shrimp in the skillet before adding the sauce. This way, they soak up all the flavors. You can mix and match proteins to fit your taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! To keep your creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, let it cool completely. Use airtight containers for storage. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Place the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about three to five days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget how long they’ve been stored. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, heat them gently. Start by adding a splash of water or cream to the pasta. This prevents it from drying out. You can reheat in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. If you prefer the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to warm it evenly. If you want to keep the pasta for longer, freezing is a good option. Allow the pasta to cool, then portion it out. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage. Squeeze out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently as mentioned before. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta anytime! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can. Canned tomato sauce works well. It gives a smoother texture. Just remember to adjust the seasoning. You might need to add a bit more salt or sugar. This will help balance the flavors. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Look for pasta made from rice or corn. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package. This pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables - Grilled chicken or shrimp These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just heat them together. Add a splash of pasta water if needed. This keeps the sauce creamy and fresh. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. This blog post explored creamy tomato basil pasta. It covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. I shared variations to make the dish your own. Proper storage and reheating methods extend the life of your meal. Embrace creativity in your cooking. Experiment with flavors and enjoy every bite. You have the tools to make delicious pasta that suits your taste. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in the creamy tomato basil pasta delight that will tantalize your taste buds! This simple recipe combines al dente pasta, fresh basil, and a rich creamy sauce for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore this mouth-watering recipe and impress your family or guests tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions, ensuring it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic, stirring for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant. Take care not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can lend a bitter flavor.

      Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the teaspoon of sugar. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

        Incorporate the Cream: After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the sauce well to combine and let it gently cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring a rich and creamy sauce develops.

          Mix in the Basil: Add the roughly chopped fresh basil into the sauce and stir it in until fully integrated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creamy consistency.

            Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, using tongs or a spatula to ensure each piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce. Allow everything to cook together on low heat for an additional 2 minutes, just until heated through.

              Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has an even creaminess. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.

                Serve: Spoon the creamy tomato basil pasta into individual plates or bowls. For a lovely finish, garnish with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a touch of heat.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with a fresh basil leaf and a drizzle of olive oil. A slice of crusty bread on the side would complete the meal beautifully!