There’s something unbelievably comforting about a bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, isn’t there? Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, each strand coated in a rich, velvety sauce that smells like a sun-drenched Italian garden. The moment the aromatic basil hits your nose, it’s like an invitation to indulge in pure bliss.

This dish doesn’t just taste amazing; it brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing laughter and stories, with the warm sun streaming through the windows. Perfect for cozy nights in or a festive get-together, this pasta promises to deliver flavor explosions that will leave everyone wanting seconds—and maybe even thirds.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for my friends; their delighted reactions were priceless as they dove into their plates with gusto.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type—spaghetti or penne works wonderfully for holding onto that luscious sauce.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Look for high-quality tomatoes packed in juice for the best flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Select vibrant green leaves for an aromatic burst; nothing compares to fresh herbs.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess, creating that dreamy texture we all love.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide essential flavor; skip the pre-minced stuff if you can.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for a nutty finish; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors; adjust to taste.

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

Let’s Make It Together

Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown before adding canned diced tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream while ensuring everything blends smoothly. Allow it to simmer gently until slightly thickened—about 3 to 4 minutes—while filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas.

Toss in Basil and Cheese: Add freshly chopped basil and grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and combined. This step adds that beautiful depth of flavor we crave from our pasta dishes.

Combine Pasta with Sauce: Gently fold your cooked pasta into the creamy tomato basil mixture until every piece is well-coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy!: Plate up generous servings of your creamy tomato basil pasta. Garnish with extra basil or parmesan if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy this comforting dish while reminiscing about those lively dinners with friends or family.

And there you have it—a plateful of happiness that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta to al dente while sautéing garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes and let them simmer, then mix everything with cream and fresh basil for a delightful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt or add veggies like spinach and zucchini. A sprinkle of parmesan can elevate the flavor even further!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover creamy tomato basil pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive its creamy texture.

Cooking this creamy tomato basil pasta always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone raced to claim seconds.

FAQ

Can I use canned tomatoes for creamy tomato basil pasta?

Yes, canned tomatoes work well; choose whole or crushed for better texture.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

What types of pasta work best with this recipe?

Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are great choices that hold onto the creamy sauce well.

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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, where perfectly cooked pasta meets a velvety sauce infused with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. This delightful dish is not only quick to prepare but also evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and joyful dinners. The harmonious blend of cream, garlic, and parmesan creates a meal that’s both satisfying and visually stunning, ideal for busy weeknights or festive occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or penne
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add canned tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream, and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Mix in fresh basil and grated parmesan until melted.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or parmesan.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 70mg