Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream, a hearty and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table in just 30 minutes! This recipe combines tender fettuccine or penne with a velvety tomato cream sauce infused with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. The creamy sauce strikes the perfect balance of tangy crushed tomatoes and luscious heavy cream, gently spiced with optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 quarts Water for boiling pasta
- 2 tbsp Salt for pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot (4 quarts) of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
508 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.8 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.5 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 3894 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.1 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 15.0 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 273 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 382 mg | 8% | |
*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.
