Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Indulge in the bold yet comforting flavors of Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights alike. This recipe combines tender pasta (like penne or fettuccine) with a velvety sauce made from rich crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and aromatic garlic. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant, herbal note, while Parmesan cheese adds the perfect touch of savory decadence. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this pasta masterpiece is ideal for busy home cooks seeking a restaurant-quality dish. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a beautiful and flavorful finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 400 grams Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 200 milliliters Heavy cream
- 15 grams Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 liters Water (for cooking pasta)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (for cooking pasta)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the basil is evenly distributed.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy basil tomato sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1764 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 115.0 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.2 g | 276% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 250 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 10410 mg | 453% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127.8 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.3 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 681 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1019 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
