Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
This creamy basil tomato pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines fresh tomatoes, rich cream, and fragrant basil for a delicious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight anyone who enjoys Italian cuisine.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped packed
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- 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 not browned.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir to combine and let cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in the chopped basil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize this pasta by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
To make the dish lighter, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half or a plant-based cream alternative.
For added flavor, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes for a little heat.