Description
A luscious and comforting Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that combines al dente pasta with a rich tomato and cream sauce, infused with fresh garlic and fragrant basil. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and delivers vibrant flavors with a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing garlic)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Simmer sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Allow the tomato mixture to simmer gently for 10-12 minutes to develop flavor. Then stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta and basil: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand or piece with the creamy tomato sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh basil rather than dried for the best flavor.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but it will be less rich.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Reserve a little pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
