Delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This article will guide you through making a creamy tomato basil pasta, which is perfect for those who love a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe serves four people, and the total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) of pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the type of pasta you're using. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about three to four minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant but not browned.

Add the crushed tomatoes into the pan along with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Let this simmer on low heat while you check if the pasta is ready. Once the pasta has cooked thoroughly, drain it well without rinsing (this prevents the sauce from becoming watery).

Transfer the drained pasta back into the pot or a large bowl. Pour over the hot tomato basil mixture and stir everything together gently to coat each strand of noodle evenly with the creamy sauce.

Before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top as a finishing touch. For an extra kick, you could also add some fresh basil leaves right before placing your dish onto individual plates.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values can vary slightly based on specific brands and sizes of ingredients used but here is a rough estimate for one serving:

Calories: approximately 400 calories per serving
Fat content: around 20 grams
Sodium intake: roughly 650 milligrams
Total carbohydrates: about 50 grams including fiber
Proteins: close to 15 grams

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pasta Sauce

For a smoother sauce, consider pureeing part of the tomatoes before combining them with other ingredients.
If you prefer less cream and more tomato flavor, simply reduce or omit the amount used in this recipe.
To enhance color and texture, incorporate some red bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes into your dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is more than just a simple meal; it's an experience for your palate. The combination of rich flavors from the tomato sauce combined with creamy texture makes every bite satisfying and delicious. Whether you're having this dish as part of a family dinner or preparing it for company, this recipe promises to impress both children and adults alike.

Remember, cooking is not just about following recipes—it's also about experimenting and finding what works best for your taste buds. So feel free to adjust the seasoning or add new elements based on your preferences. Happy cooking!