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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This creamy tomato basil pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender penne pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh basil. Finished with Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that can be ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • ½ cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s flavor.
  3. Add sauce components: Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
  4. Simmer sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add cheese and pasta: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  6. Finish with basil and serve: Stir in the fresh basil for a bright and fragrant finish. Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese and garnished with more fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta!

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid the bitter taste of pre-minced garlic.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer or adding a bit more cream for extra creaminess.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but use about one-third the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • This dish pairs well with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/creamy-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe/