Irresistible Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe to Savor

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy tomato basil pasta. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti around your fork, each strand coated in a luscious, velvety sauce that sings of sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table, where anticipation builds like the tension in a good romantic comedy.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. They hovered around the kitchen, eyes wide with hunger and excitement. With every bite, they smiled wider, and I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. Whether it’s an impromptu weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, creamy tomato basil pasta is sure to steal the show.

I once served this dish at a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Talk about pressure for my next cooking adventure!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or fettuccine for the best texture and sauce adherence.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it makes all the difference.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add depth and aromatic goodness.

• Canned Tomatoes: Choose whole peeled tomatoes; they’re sweeter and more flavorful than diced varieties.

• Heavy Cream: This adds luxurious creaminess; feel free to substitute half-and-half if you’re watching calories.

• Fresh Basil: Use vibrant green leaves for garnish; they brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese right before serving for maximum flavor impact.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepping your creamy tomato basil pasta is an adventure filled with sensory delights.

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This will save time later while cooking and ensure everything is within reach.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining for later use.

Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 30 seconds will do.

Add Canned Tomatoes: Pour in those whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to break them up gently as they simmer, releasing their sweet aroma into your kitchen.

Stir in Heavy Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream after allowing the tomato mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes. This creates that dreamy sauce we all crave.

Toss Pasta with Sauce: Finally, add your drained pasta to the sauce along with reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Toss everything together until each strand is beautifully coated.

Serve immediately with fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese.

Now you’ve successfully created creamy tomato basil pasta! Each bite delivers comfort like a warm hug—a true crowd-pleaser that can elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by boiling the pasta while sautéing garlic and tomatoes in olive oil for maximum flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, combine everything with fresh basil and cream for a dreamy finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spaghetti for penne or add some grilled chicken for protein. You can also toss in spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent drying.

There was this one time I whipped up this creamy tomato basil pasta for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds! Their delighted faces made all my culinary efforts worth it.

FAQ

Can I make creamy tomato basil pasta vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious vegan version.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti or penne are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorite kind.

How can I add more protein?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions for extra protein in this dish.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy sauce, all enveloping perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, each bite will leave you craving more. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this beloved classic!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz whole peeled canned tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on your countertop.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add canned tomatoes with juices; break them up gently with a spoon and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for another couple of minutes.
6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as necessary for desired consistency.
7. Mix in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg