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To make a delicious creamy tomato basil pasta, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 300g pasta of your choice - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 can (400g) of high-quality crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 200ml heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Extra basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient adds flavor and richness. The olive oil gives depth, while garlic adds aroma. Crushed tomatoes form the base, and sugar balances the acidity. Oregano and red pepper flakes bring warmth and spice. Heavy cream makes it rich, while Parmesan adds umami. Fresh basil brightens the dish. For the full recipe, check the details above. These ingredients come together to create a meal that you can enjoy any night of the week! - Fill a pot with water and add salt. - Bring to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Cooking pasta is simple and fun. Start by filling a big pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. This helps the pasta taste better. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta. Follow the package directions. Usually, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which means it’s firm but not hard. Before you drain it, save a cup of the starchy pasta water. It will help make the sauce creamy later. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Add garlic and sauté. - Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and spices. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute. Keep stirring to make sure it smells great but doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Mix it well with the garlic. Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. This mix needs to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir it now and then to blend the flavors. - Reduce heat, add cream and Parmesan. - Mix in cooked pasta and season to taste. - Fold in fresh basil. Now, lower the heat. Gently stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. It will thicken a bit. After that, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce. If it looks thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. You want a creamy, pourable sauce. Now, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet. Toss everything together. Make sure each noodle is covered in that rich sauce. Taste it and add salt and black pepper as needed. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh basil. This will give your dish a fresh burst of flavor. To make a great sauce, start with high-quality tomatoes. They add depth and flavor. Canned tomatoes work well, especially if they are San Marzano. Remember to adjust creaminess with reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta just right. When serving, use shallow bowls for a nice touch. Top each bowl with extra basil leaves. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds flavor and looks fancy. You can pair this pasta with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Want to boost the taste? Add spices or herbs like thyme or parsley. A drizzle of olive oil at the end makes everything shine. It adds a rich flavor that ties the dish together perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Extravaganza! {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Grilled chicken makes a great choice. Simply cook the chicken, slice it, and mix it in with the pasta. Shrimp is another fantastic option. Sauté shrimp until pink and combine them with the creamy sauce for a tasty twist. If you prefer vegetarian options, try adding chickpeas. They add protein and a nice texture. Toss them in when you mix the pasta and sauce. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, coconut milk works well. It gives a creamy texture without dairy. Just replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of coconut milk. For cheese lovers, there are great vegan cheese options. Look for a vegan Parmesan or cream cheese. These will help keep the rich flavor while staying dairy-free. You can change this dish based on the season. In spring or summer, add fresh spinach or zucchini. Just sauté them briefly before mixing them in. They add color and nutrients. In fall, consider using butternut squash or kale for a hearty touch. Adjust the herbs, too. If you have fresh herbs, use them instead of dried ones. Fresh basil is always a winner, but you could also try thyme or parsley depending on what’s in season. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Extravaganza. To keep your Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. This dish lasts about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. That way, you won’t forget how long it has been stored. You have two main options for reheating: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. For stovetop, put it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Heat on low, stirring gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta dishes! First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method for best results. Add a little cream or water to maintain creaminess. To add heat to the pasta sauce, use more red pepper flakes. You can also chop fresh chili peppers and mix them in. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level to suit your taste. If you like it hot, don’t hold back! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! To substitute, start with about 5-6 medium ripe tomatoes. Cut them into chunks and cook them down in the skillet. Add a pinch of salt to help release their juices. This method gives you a fresher taste. Remember to simmer them longer to reach a good sauce consistency. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free version. For every 200ml of cream, use 150ml of half-and-half or 200ml of coconut milk. Adjust the seasoning since coconut milk may add a hint of sweetness. Looking for the full recipe? Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! This guide gives clear steps to make a delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, simple cooking methods, and variations to suit your taste. Remember to choose quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don't shy away from personal touches, like adding proteins or changing spices. Enjoy the dish fresh or save leftovers with the right storage. Getting creative is part of the fun. You can make this easy dish your own in many ways while impressing anyone at the table.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously creamy tomato basil pasta extravaganza that will delight your taste buds! This easy recipe features simple ingredients like garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

300g pasta (your choice of shape for a fun texture)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 can (400g) of high-quality crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

200ml heavy cream (for lusciousness)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Extra basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring this to a rapid boil, then add your choice of pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the rest and set your pasta aside.

    While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute. Stir frequently and watch closely to ensure it becomes fragrant without burning.

      Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the garlic. Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld beautifully.

        Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Allow this creamy blend to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, thickening slightly while you stir occasionally.

          Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until it is fully melted and enveloped in the rich, creamy blend.

            If the sauce appears overly thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until you achieve your preferred consistency – creamy yet pourable.

              Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing expertly to ensure every noodle is luxuriously coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

                Finally, fold in the chopped fresh basil, which will provide a vibrant burst of flavor and freshness.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this delightful pasta in elegant shallow bowls. Top with extra basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a refined finish. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate it further, adding a beautiful sheen!