Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to treat yourself to a comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a warm Italian hug? 🍅✨ This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with the aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil — the true essence of Italian comfort food. 🇮🇹💛 It’s a recipe passed down through generations, blending the richness of cream with the brightness of ripe tomatoes and the irresistible fragrance of basil leaves.

Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family-style meal on a Sunday night, this dish never fails to bring smiles to the table. The sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, creating a luscious, silky bite each time. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests. 🌿🍝

Let’s roll up our sleeves, tie that apron, and dive into the magic of simple ingredients turned into something truly divine.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)

For Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan cheese 🧀
• A few fresh basil leaves 🌿
• A drizzle of olive oil

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Base Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic — you want it aromatic, not bitter!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes. Add sugar to reduce acidity and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Make It Creamy:
   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will turn a beautiful soft pink hue — that’s when you know it’s transforming into creamy perfection. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Add Basil & Combine:
   Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir until every strand is coated in the velvety tomato-basil mixture.
6. Taste & Adjust:
   Give it a final taste — add more salt or pepper if needed, and if you like a stronger basil note, toss in a few extra leaves.
7. Serve & Garnish:
   Plate the pasta while it’s still warm. Top with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a fresh basil leaf or two for that classic Italian finish. Buon appetito! 🍅🌿

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 bowls

⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 kcal
🥩 Protein: 14 g
🥖 Carbohydrates: 55 g
🥛 Fat: 14 g
🍬 Sugar: 6 g
🧂 Sodium: 230 mg
🌱 Fiber: 5 g
💚 Cholesterol: 20 mg

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#PastaLovers #ItalianComfortFood #TomatoBasilMagic #CreamyDelight #HomemadeHappiness

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️