Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
This creamy tomato and basil pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor. The sauce is made with crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil, and it's simmered until it's thick and flavorful. The pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with the sauce, and the whole thing is topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is sure to please the whole family, and it's a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes you have on hand.
I first came up with this recipe when I was looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that I could make with ingredients I already had on hand. I had some leftover tomatoes from a salad I made earlier in the week, and I also had some heavy cream and fresh basil. I decided to combine all of these ingredients into a sauce, and I was really happy with the results. The sauce was creamy and flavorful, and it was the perfect complement to the al dente pasta. I've been making this dish ever since, and it's become one of my favorite go-to meals.
Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
  7. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why It Works
  • The combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil creates a sauce that is both flavorful and creamy.
  • Simmering the sauce for 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Cooking the pasta al dente ensures that it will be perfectly cooked and won't become mushy.