Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh basil and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 ounces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add the chopped basil to the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy basil tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.