Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta

Indulge in the bold yet comforting flavors of Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights alike. This recipe combines tender pasta (like penne or fettuccine) with a velvety sauce made from rich crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and aromatic garlic. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant, herbal note, while Parmesan cheese adds the perfect touch of savory decadence. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this pasta masterpiece is ideal for busy home cooks seeking a restaurant-quality dish. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a beautiful and flavorful finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 400 grams Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 200 milliliters Heavy cream
• 15 grams Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 liters Water (for cooking pasta)
• 1 tablespoon Salt (for cooking pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the basil is evenly distributed.

Step 7

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy basil tomato sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5126.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1764.3

Total Fat 115.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 55.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 10409.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 127.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.1g	0%
Total Sugars 18.3g
Protein 46.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 680.9mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 1019.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.8%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 29.5%