Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil with a luscious creaminess. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's both quick to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Rich, creamy sauce without being overly heavy.
  • Fresh basil adds a vibrant, aromatic touch.
  • A family-friendly option that's easy to customize.

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Ingredients Explained

Fettuccine serves as the sturdy base, perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Olive oil adds a smooth richness and helps sauté the aromatics. Onion provides a sweet undertone that enhances the sauce's flavor. Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant depth. Crushed tomatoes are the heart of the sauce, offering a robust tomato flavor. Heavy cream turns the sauce into a silky, luxurious coating for the pasta. Fresh basil introduces a burst of herbal freshness. Parmesan cheese gives a savory, umami kick that rounds out the dish. Salt and black pepper bring all the flavors together, allowing you to season to your liking.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor — dried basil just doesn't compare here.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the tomato mixture simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the cream.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Detailed Instructions

First, start by cooking your fettuccine according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it's translucent and soft. You want the onion to be tender and sweet but not browned.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute. Stir frequently to prevent it from burning, as garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Once the tomato mixture is ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix it well until the sauce turns a beautiful pink color. This step adds a luscious creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Now, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, along with the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy tomato sauce and the cheese has melted into a smooth, savory finish.

Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it's hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Simplified Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to blend well with the tomatoes.
6. Add the cooked fettuccine, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or a fresh baguette would also complement the creamy sauce, perfect for mopping up any extra on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is great for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute with penne, spaghetti, or any pasta you have on hand.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of butter as a lighter alternative, though it might slightly alter the richness of the sauce.

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