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Looking for a quick weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor? This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is your answer! With its rich, creamy sauce and fresh basil, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish will have you savoring each bite without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is sure to please.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes.
- Rich & Creamy: A luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh basil for flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to date nights.
- Kid-Friendly: A dish that even picky eaters will love!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, mixing until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the fresh basil; it adds a vibrant touch to the dish.
- For a little kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by controlling the amount of pasta water you add.
Easy Variations
- Swap spaghetti for penne or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta shape.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread for a crunchy side.
- A fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables to complement the creamy pasta.
- A glass of white wine for an adult twist.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, mixing until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor and don’t skip the fresh basil for that aromatic finish!
