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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti tossed in rich, orange-hued Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta sauce, garnished with fresh green herbs.

A simple recipe for pasta coated in a rich, creamy tomato and fresh basil sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, basil pasta, easy tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta, weeknight dinner