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When you want to make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 300g penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 200ml heavy cream - 100g grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving Using fresh ingredients helps the dish taste great. The penne pasta gives a nice bite. Olive oil adds good flavor and helps cook garlic. Minced garlic brings a rich taste that pairs well with tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes are the base of the sauce. Dried oregano gives it an Italian flair. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat if you like spice. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Finally, fresh basil leaves bring a bright, fresh note to the dish. For more details on how to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. 1. Boil water and cook the penne: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. 2. Reserve pasta water: Before you drain the pasta, make sure to save about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help you adjust the sauce later. 1. Sauté garlic in olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. 2. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes. Then add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir well and let this simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. 3. Simmer for flavor: Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Let it bubble gently to develop rich flavors. 1. Stir in heavy cream: Lower the heat and slowly add 200ml of heavy cream to your sauce. Stir until it all mixes well. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly. 2. Mix pasta with sauce and cheese: Add the drained penne pasta to the creamy tomato sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, use a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Next, mix in 100g of grated Parmesan cheese until melted. 3. Add salt, pepper, and basil: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, saving a few for garnish. Now you have a delicious creamy tomato basil pasta ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. - Best pasta for creamy sauces: I recommend using penne pasta. Its hollow shape holds the sauce well. You can also try fettuccine or rigatoni for a fun twist. - How to prevent clumping: Make sure to stir the pasta right after draining. Adding a splash of olive oil helps keep it separate. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it up. - Additional herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. A pinch of sugar can balance acidity from the tomatoes. - Cheese substitutes: If you don’t have Parmesan, use Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor, too. - Garnishing suggestions: Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of extra cheese adds a nice touch. - Serving ideas: Serve in warm bowls to keep the pasta hot. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your deliciously creamy tomato basil pasta! {{image_2}} If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can swap heavy cream for a plant-based option. Using cashew cream or coconut milk works great. You can also add veggies to the sauce. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms add flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. For a vegan dish, choose plant-based cheeses and creams. Almond or soy milk can replace heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. For the pasta, look for brands made from lentils or chickpeas. These options are both tasty and healthy. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Brands made from rice or quinoa work well. Cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente. This way, it holds up well in the creamy sauce. For the Full Recipe, check the main article section. Creamy tomato basil pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store it well, let it cool before you put it in an airtight container. Make sure you cover the pasta tightly to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. You can freeze creamy tomato basil pasta for up to 3 months. To freeze it, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of milk or pasta water to help it regain its creamy texture. Stir well as it heats. If you have leftover pasta, you can use it in many ways. Try mixing it into a frittata for a tasty breakfast. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or mix it into soup for added heartiness. The creamy tomato basil sauce can also be repurposed. Use it as a dip for breadsticks or drizzle it over grilled chicken or veggies. It adds great flavor and can elevate many everyday dishes. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this creamy tomato basil pasta ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool them. Store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and pasta together. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese? If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both options add a nice flavor, making your dish still delicious. Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can pack it in single servings. Just reheat when you are ready to eat. How to fix a too-thick sauce? If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Can I add meat to this recipe? Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the sauce. Just make sure the meat is cooked through before mixing it with the pasta. Best types of pasta for this dish? I recommend using penne pasta, as it holds sauce well. Other good options include fusilli or rigatoni. Fresh vs dried basil, which is better? Fresh basil is best for this recipe. It provides a vibrant flavor and aroma. Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh basil makes your dish shine! This blog shared a recipe for creamy tomato basil pasta. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about cooking pasta perfectly and making a flavorful sauce. I also shared variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with this dish! It’s simple, tasty, and easy to adapt. Remember, cooking should be fun. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Satisfy your cravings with this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe that's quick and easy to make! Using simple ingredients like penne pasta, fresh basil, and rich heavy cream, you can create a delicious meal in no time. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
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Ingredients
  

300g penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

200ml heavy cream

100g grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, and let simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream, mixing until combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.

          Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

            Season and Add Basil: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish.

              Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan cheese and the reserved basil leaves for a fresh touch.

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