Fresh Basil Tomato Pasta with Velvety Cream Sauce
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta features tender pasta tossed in a smooth tomato cream sauce with garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta until tender with slight firmness.
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Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and drain pasta.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for several minutes.
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Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
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Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.
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Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add cooked pasta and toss gently.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
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Add fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Spinach or mushrooms can be added for extra vegetables.
A small spoonful of butter can create a richer sauce