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- Fettuccine or spaghetti - Olive oil - Fresh garlic - Crushed tomatoes - Heavy cream - Dried oregano - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese - Seasoning: Salt and pepper When I make creamy tomato basil pasta, I start with the right ingredients. Fettuccine or spaghetti forms the base. The type of pasta matters because it holds sauce well. I use olive oil to sauté fresh garlic, bringing out its rich flavor. Fresh garlic adds a lovely aroma and taste to the dish. Next, I pour in crushed tomatoes. They bring sweetness and acidity, balancing the cream. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Dried oregano adds a warm, herbal note. I always finish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish, rounding out the dish. Don’t forget seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors! - Additional herbs (e.g., parsley or thyme) - Protein additions (e.g., grilled chicken or shrimp) - Vegetables (e.g., spinach or bell peppers) Sometimes, I like to boost flavors with optional ingredients. Adding herbs like parsley or thyme can create a new twist. For those wanting protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. These simple swaps make the dish unique and appealing! For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Now, lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix until the sauce looks smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Once your sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Adjust until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious creamy tomato basil pasta. For the full recipe, check the link provided! To get that silky smooth sauce, add the cream slowly. This helps it blend well. Stir gently as you pour. If the sauce is thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it. Just add a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. Seasoning makes a big difference. Balance salt and pepper to enhance flavors. I prefer fresh herbs over dried ones when I can. Fresh basil brings a bright taste. If you use dried herbs, add them earlier for more flavor. Serve your pasta in a wide bowl for a nice look. Use white dishware to highlight the colors. Top with more cheese and fresh basil for a pop. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a finishing touch. This makes each plate look inviting and bright. {{image_2}} To make a meatless version of creamy tomato basil pasta, skip the cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients to your dish. Try using whole wheat or lentil pasta for added fiber and protein. For those who want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the protein separately and toss it with the pasta. You can also add cooked sausage for a hearty touch. Pairing the pasta with a salad or steamed veggies makes for a wholesome meal. Explore different sauces like pesto or Alfredo to switch up the flavor. You can even mix tomato and pesto for a unique twist. If you need gluten-free options, try using rice or quinoa pasta. Whole grain pasta is another great choice for added health benefits. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! After enjoying your creamy tomato basil pasta, let it cool. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. This helps prevent spoilage and keeps your dish tasty. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results. They seal well and make reheating easy. You can reheat your pasta on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water or cream in a pan. Heat on low, stirring gently. This keeps the sauce creamy. In the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This way, the pasta warms evenly without losing flavor. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze creamy tomato basil pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container after cooling. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta may expand when frozen. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of cream or water to restore the creamy texture. The best pasta for this dish is fettuccine or spaghetti. These types hold sauce well. Their flat shape helps the creamy sauce cling to every bite. You want a pasta that can stand up to the rich flavors. If you like something different, try penne or rigatoni. Their tubular shapes also catch the sauce nicely. Yes, you can make a lighter version without cream. Use a mix of Greek yogurt and milk instead. This keeps the dish creamy but reduces fat. You can also use silken tofu for a vegan option. Blend it until smooth. This gives you a nice texture without using cream. To keep your sauce smooth, add cream slowly. Stir it in gradually, ensuring it mixes well. Use low heat when adding cream to avoid curdling. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This helps create a nice, creamy emulsion. Stir often for the best results. This blog post covers how to make creamy tomato basil pasta. I shared essential ingredients and optional items for flavor boosts. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, sauce creation, and combining it all. I included tips to enhance creaminess, flavor, and presentation. You can also explore variations for dietary needs and proper storage methods. In summary, making this dish can be simple and fun. Don't hesitate to get creative with your own twist! Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in this delicious creamy tomato basil pasta that's quick and perfect for weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Follow the easy steps to bring this flavor-packed recipe to life in just 25 minutes! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner experience today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

            Fold in Basil and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Adjust seasoning if needed.

              Serve: Divide the creamy tomato basil pasta among serving plates. Top with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil for garnish.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 servings