Creamy Tomato Pasta Fresh Basil (Printable)
Luscious velvety pasta with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy sauce
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine
02 - Salt for pasta water
→ Sauce
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (or 24 oz fresh ripe tomatoes, diced)
07 - 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
08 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
11 - 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
12 - Extra Parmesan for serving
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar if using. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
04 - Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the bright acidity of tomatoes and the luxurious richness of cream.
- It comes together in under thirty minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
02 -
- Never skip the step of reserving pasta water because that starchy liquid is the magic glue that brings the sauce and noodles together.
- Always take the pan off the heat before stirring in the fresh basil to keep its color vibrant and green instead of turning it black and wilted.
03 -
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block instead of buying pre grated cheese for a much smoother melt.
- Let the sauce rest for five minutes off the heat before tossing the pasta to let the flavors meld properly.