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- 12 oz (340g) of your favorite pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked pepper - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese To make creamy tomato basil pasta, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The pasta choice is key; I recommend fettuccine or penne for the best texture. The olive oil helps to sauté the onion and garlic, giving it a rich base flavor. Using a small onion, finely diced, adds sweetness. The garlic is a must for that aromatic touch. Crushed tomatoes are the heart of the sauce, and I like to use San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness. Heavy cream brings that dreamy creaminess to the dish. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. The granulated sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the sauce delicious. Adding oregano gives it an Italian flair. Don’t forget salt and cracked pepper to enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil is a star here, adding a burst of freshness. Finally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese will elevate your dish to a new level. For the full recipe, follow along as we create this tasty pasta dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it is cooked, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the starchy water. Set the pasta aside. In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely diced. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great but isn’t browned. Pour in 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Stir to mix. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it thickens. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream). Mix well until it is fully combined. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil. Add the reserved cooked pasta to the creamy tomato sauce. Toss the pasta well so it is evenly coated. If it looks too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy texture. Incorporate 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil into the pasta. Mix it well so the basil is spread throughout. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. This recipe is simple yet delightful. You can find the full recipe for a detailed step-by-step guide. Enjoy your cooking! To get al dente pasta, start with plenty of salted water. Boil it until it bubbles. Add your pasta and cook as the package says. Check it two minutes early for firmness. Al dente means the pasta should still have a slight bite. Drain it but save some pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick. For the best flavor, choose San Marzano tomatoes. They are sweet and juicy. If you can't find them, use high-quality crushed tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes work too, but you’ll need to peel and chop them. Use ripe, red tomatoes for a rich taste. This choice will elevate your creamy tomato basil pasta. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. It gives a nice, creamy texture. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor. Almond milk works too, but it may change the taste. Adjust the amount based on how creamy you want your sauce. Enjoy your delicious and creamy dish, dairy-free! {{image_4}} You can easily boost your creamy tomato basil pasta with protein. Adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu enhances flavor and nutrition. - Chicken: Cook diced chicken breast in the skillet until golden. Stir it in with the sauce. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink, then mix with the sauce for a seafood twist. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, cubed and sautéed until golden. Add it for plant-based protein. Each option offers a unique taste. Feel free to choose what you like best! Adding seasonal vegetables makes this dish even better. You can include veggies for added nutrition and color. - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach just before serving. It wilts nicely and adds vibrant green. - Zucchini: Sauté sliced zucchini along with onions for a mild flavor boost. - Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture and sweet taste. These additions make your meal colorful and healthy. Experiment with the veggies you enjoy! If you love heat, spice up your dish! Adding red pepper flakes or spices can transform the flavors. - Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while simmering the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust for heat. - Cayenne Pepper: For a stronger kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper works well. Mix it in with the sauce. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle hot sauce over the pasta before serving to control the spice level. These options let you customize your pasta to match your taste. Embrace the heat for an exciting flavor! To store leftover pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to put it in the fridge. You can store it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it instead. When reheating, use a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream to it. This keeps the pasta creamy. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Add a bit of water in a bowl, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently as mentioned above. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta later! For the full recipe, check the complete dish details! Creamy tomato basil pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty for later meals. When you reheat it, add a splash of water or more cream to keep it from drying out. Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy. If you choose milk, consider adding a bit of flour to thicken the sauce. This helps mimic the texture of cream, making your dish still delightful. You can serve creamy tomato basil pasta with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. These sides balance the richness of the pasta. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely too. Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra flavor. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! This blog post has guided you through crafting a creamy tomato basil pasta. We outlined essential ingredients, like pasta, crushed tomatoes, and cream. Then, we walked through each cooking step to create a rich, flavorful meal. I shared helpful tips on perfect pasta, dairy-free options, and delicious variations. In my final thoughts, remember this dish is versatile. You can customize it with proteins or veggies. Enjoying it warm, topped with fresh basil, is the best way to savor it.

50. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in the rich and delicious flavors of creamy tomato basil pasta delight! This easy recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil for a meal that everyone will love. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Dive into this delightful recipe today for a comforting dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Click to explore the full recipe!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) of your favorite pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano for added sweetness)

1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option

1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)

1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (plus additional leaves for garnish)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a roaring boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta while reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Following that, stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is aromatic but not browned.

      Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add the sugar, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and gradually stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Make sure to mix well until incorporated. Let the sauce gently simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, taking care not to bring it to a boil.

          Combine Pasta: Add the reserved cooked pasta to the creamy tomato sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure it is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.

            Add Fresh Basil: Incorporate the roughly chopped fresh basil into the pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Plate the creamy tomato basil pasta generously. If you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4