Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

$- Main ingredients: - 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works best) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - Fresh herbs: - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - Basil adds a sweet and aromatic taste. It brightens the dish. - Additional components: - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each one plays a key role in making this creamy tomato basil pasta rich and flavorful. The tomatoes bring sweetness, while basil adds freshness. Parmesan gives a nice cheesy touch, and garlic adds depth. The heavy cream makes it all creamy and delicious! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To cook perfect al dente pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it as directed on the package. You want the pasta firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save one cup of the pasta water. This water helps to make the sauce creamy later. For great garlic flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. After that, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce just right. Time to combine everything! Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil to the skillet. Then, toss in the cooked pasta. Mix it all well so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss one more time to blend all the flavors. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To make your sauce rich, follow these best practices: - Use heavy cream. It gives a smooth texture. - Simmer the cream gently. This helps it thicken without burning. - Stir frequently. This keeps the sauce from sticking. - Add a splash of pasta water. It helps blend the sauce and pasta. By using these tips, your sauce will be velvety and delicious. You can add herbs and spices to make your dish shine. Here are some ideas: - Fresh basil is key. Add it at the end for bright flavor. - Oregano and thyme work well too. They add depth to the dish. - For heat, add red pepper flakes. Use them when you sauté the garlic. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more. These additions can suit your taste and make the dish stand out. A beautiful plate makes food even more enjoyable. Here are some garnishing ideas: - Top with extra fresh basil. It adds color and freshness. - Sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top. It gives a nice finish. - Serve in a big bowl or individual plates. This adds elegance. These simple tips will make your creamy tomato basil pasta look as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make pasta from rice or lentils. They taste great and cook well. For a vegan twist, switch heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps the dish creamy and rich. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan substitute. Want to add some protein? You have options! Grilled chicken is a favorite. It adds flavor and makes the meal heartier. Shrimp is another great choice. Just sauté it with the garlic until it's pink and cooked through. You can also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick. Mixing in these proteins makes the dish more filling and tasty. Make this dish shine with seasonal ingredients. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color. In summer, zucchini or bell peppers work well. They add a nice crunch and flavor. In the fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash for sweetness. For winter, use hearty greens like kale or spinach. Incorporating seasonal veggies and herbs keeps your dish fresh and exciting. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it right after it cools down. It will stay tasty for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and try to remove as much air as possible. This will help avoid freezer burn. When you freeze it, aim to use it within three months. When you reheat this dish, do it gently. The best way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of water or extra cream to help it stay creamy. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to mix the sauce back in with the pasta. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to keep it even. Avoid high heat, as it can make the pasta tough. Creamy tomato basil pasta lasts well in the fridge for about four days. If frozen, it can last for three months. However, the texture may change after thawing. The sauce may separate slightly. Still, it will taste great. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Always trust your senses—if it smells or looks off, it’s best to toss it. Making creamy tomato basil pasta is quick and easy. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 15 minutes - Total Time: 25 minutes You can enjoy a delicious meal in half an hour! Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They save time and are convenient. Here are some pros and cons: - Pros: - Canned tomatoes are often juicier. - They have a longer shelf life. - Cons: - Fresh tomatoes provide a brighter flavor. - Canned tomatoes may alter the texture. If you use canned tomatoes, drain some juice to avoid a watery sauce. Cook them the same way as fresh ones! You can use many pasta types. Here are some popular choices: - Penne: Holds sauce well. - Fettuccine: Great for creamy sauces. - Spaghetti: Classic for any sauce. Choose your favorite! Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture. Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep! Here are some tips: - Make Ahead: Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. - Reheat: When ready to eat, combine them in a skillet. Add a splash of water to revive the sauce. This makes for an easy and quick meal during busy days! You learned how to make creamy tomato basil pasta from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, like pasta, tomatoes, and cream. I shared tips for cooking, flavoring, and presenting your dish. You can even adapt the recipe to fit your diet or season. Remember, good practice in storing and reheating is key to enjoying leftovers. With these steps, you can impress anyone with a simple yet delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Discover the ultimate Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe that your taste buds will love! This rich and flavorful dish combines fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a velvety creamy sauce that is sure to impress. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, you'll learn how to cook pasta perfectly and create a sauce that elevates your dining experience. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste sensation!

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Ingredients

12 oz pasta (any shape, preferably penne or fettuccine)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything again to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.

Serve: Divide the creamy tomato basil pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4