How to Make a Delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Looking for an easy and delicious pasta recipe that will become a family favorite? Look no further than this creamy tomato basil pasta! This dish is simple yet full of flavor, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The key to this dish is the creaminess; instead of using heavy cream, we use a mix of half-and-half and Parmesan cheese to achieve that rich, indulgent texture.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

• 1 pound of pasta (we recommend fettuccine or penne)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the boiling water and add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.
3. Add minced garlic to the mixture and cook for another minute; you want just enough time for the garlic to release its flavor without burning it.
4. Once your pasta is cooked, strain it but reserve a cup of pasta water. Set aside both the pasta and pasta water to use later in this recipe.
5. Add diced tomatoes along with red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet with the onions. Let these ingredients simmer for about 10 minutes until you have a nice thick sauce consistency.
6. Mix half-and-half or heavy cream into the simmering tomato mixture and stir well to combine all components evenly.
7. Once your sauce has reached its desired thickness, add the reserved pasta water bit by bit. Keep stirring until everything is incorporated smoothly.
8. Add fresh basil leaves along with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences. Stir thoroughly so that all ingredients come together harmoniously.
9. Turn off heat when done, but keep the stove turned on for a minute or two just enough time to warm up the sauce without boiling it again.
10. Serve hot over pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each portion.

Tips and Variations for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

If you want to add a bit more richness, feel free to use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. However, keep in mind that using only heavy cream will yield a slightly heavier sauce, which might be too much for some people.

You can also experiment with different types of pasta; try whole wheat or even spiralized zucchini noodles if you're looking for something lighter but still flavorful!

For an extra kick of heat, incorporate more red pepper flakes into the recipe. Alternatively, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes and enhance overall flavor.

Conclusion

This creamy tomato basil pasta is sure to satisfy your craving for something rich yet comforting on chilly evenings or as part of casual weeknight dinners during warmer months. Its simplicity combined with exceptional taste makes it suitable for various occasions—from informal gatherings among friends to intimate meals shared between two people.

Not only does this dish taste great but also provides numerous health benefits thanks to its generous serving of vegetables and lean protein sources like chicken or shrimp (optional additions depending on preference).