Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream, a hearty and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table in just 30 minutes! This recipe combines tender fettuccine or penne with a velvety tomato cream sauce infused with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. The creamy sauce strikes the perfect balance of tangy crushed tomatoes and luscious heavy cream, gently spiced with optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 quarts Water for boiling pasta
- 2 tbsp Salt for pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot (4 quarts) of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
Step 4
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Step 7
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (5182.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2076.8 |
| Total Fat 136.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 69.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 320mg | 0% |
| Sodium 15999.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 138.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19.7g | |
| Protein 62.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1232.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1561.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories