Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta: 30-Minute Simple Comfort Dish
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a comforting pasta dish featuring a smooth tomato and cream sauce infused with fresh basil and finished with Parmesan cheese. The sauce coats each piece of pasta with a silky texture and balanced flavor.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes and allow the sauce to simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream while stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
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Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
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Add torn basil leaves and stir gently.
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
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Serve warm with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Fresh basil should be added at the end of cooking for the best aroma. Reserve pasta water helps adjust the consistency of the sauce.