Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe to Savor

The aroma of creamy tomato basil pasta wafts through the air, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent that beckons hunger. With its velvety sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta and fresh basil dancing atop each twirl, this dish promises a flavor explosion that can turn any regular dinner into a feast.

Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I’m in my kitchen, armed with a wooden spoon and a vivid imagination. Every stirring motion feels like a dance as I reminisce about family gatherings where this creamy tomato basil pasta stole the spotlight, leaving everyone scraping their plates clean.

I distinctly remember the time my cousin brought her new boyfriend over for dinner. As the pasta hit the table, I caught his eye lighting up—turns out he was a pasta fanatic! We bonded over the creamy goodness, and by the end of the night, he was practically begging for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold onto sauce beautifully.

• Fresh Basil: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they bring freshness and aroma that dried herbs can’t match.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Look for high-quality tomatoes; they form the foundation of our luscious sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for that dreamy richness; it makes all the difference in flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they add depth and warmth to our dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese is best; it melts beautifully into our sauce and adds savory notes.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances flavors while providing a silky texture.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet crucial seasonings; adjust them to taste to bring all flavors together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Boil Your Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—around 1 minute. Then stir in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices.

Add Cream and Basil: Once the tomatoes bubble gently, reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream slowly while stirring continuously until well combined. Toss in chopped fresh basil for that aromatic pop!

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain your cooked pasta (reserve some cooking water). Add it directly into the creamy tomato sauce, tossing gently until every strand is coated. If it seems too thick, add reserved water gradually.

Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated throughout the dish. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste for a balanced flavor profile.

Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta hot from the stove! Each forkful should be packed with deliciousness and nostalgia.

This creamy tomato basil pasta recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter, memories, and satisfaction that warms both body and soul. So gather around your table with loved ones and share not just this delectable dish but also stories that make every meal memorable!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, sauté garlic until fragrant, add canned tomatoes and let simmer before mixing in cream and fresh basil.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in whole wheat pasta or add grilled chicken for extra protein. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat for best results.

Sometimes, I whip up this creamy tomato basil pasta when friends visit unexpectedly; their reactions are always priceless!

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you may need to peel and cook them longer to achieve desired consistency.

How do I make it vegan-friendly?

Swap cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A light white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.

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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce with the freshness of basil and tomatoes. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook fettuccine until al dente, following package instructions.
2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. 3. Stir in canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. 4. Reduce heat to low and gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Mix in chopped basil.
5. 5. Drain pasta (reserve some cooking water) and add it to the sauce, tossing gently until coated. Add reserved water if needed for consistency.
6. 6. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, use whole wheat pasta or include grilled chicken. Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes for heat.