Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug for your tummy. It mixes fresh tomatos and basil with a smooth cream sauce. This pasta is easy, yummy and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a small get-together with friends. People all around love creamy pasta because it’s so tasty and simple.
Even when it’s cold outside this dish brings summery flavors to your table. Basil tastes a bit sweet and peppery and it goes so good with the tangy tomatos. You can eat it by itself or add chicken, shrimp or vegtables to make it more filling. This pasta makes you feel like your in Italy at a little trattoria, all from the comfort of home.
What is Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta?
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a simple but satisfying dish that blends al dente pasta with a rich cream sauce, fresh basil and ripe tomatos. The flavors come together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting for your taste buds.
In terms of ingredients, the main parts include:
- Pasta: Usually penne or fusilli work great cause they hold the sauce nicely.
- Fresh Basil: This herb gives a fragrant, slightly sweet taste that’s really special.
- Tomatoes: Using ripe, juicy tomatos (like San Marzano or Roma) makes a big difference.
- Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can use a dairy-free version if you want.
- Garlic and Olive Oil: These add extra flavor notes and depth to the sauce.
This dish came from Italy where people love simple but high quality food. Italians care about good ingrediants and this pasta shows that. It’s a favorite in many kitchens around the world.
Health Benefits of Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Besides tasting great, Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta has some good stuff in it too. Here’s a look at the nutrition behind its key parts.
Nutritional Value of Ingredients
- Tomatoes: Tomatos are full of vitamin C and K, plus antioxidents like lycopene that help heart health and fight inflammation.
- Basil: Basil not only tastes awesome but also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Pasta: Pasta gives you carbs and fiber for energy. Choosing whole-grain or gluten-free pastas can boost the nutrition.
Customization Options
You can tweak this dish to fit different diets or tastes:
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Alternatives: Leave out any meat for a veg version. There are lots of gluten-free pasta brands out there if you need them.
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu or chickpeas to bring up the protein and make it more filling.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Picking the right ingrediants is super important to nail this recipe. Here’s what you need:
- Fresh Basil: You really want fresh leaves for that bright, herby taste.
- Tomatoes: San Marzano or Roma are best cause they’re sweet and slightly acidic.
- Cream: Heavy cream makes it rich but alt milks like coconut or cashew cream can work too.
- Pasta: Penne and fusilli are perfect since thier shape grabs the sauce.
Equipment Needed
These tools will make cooking easier:
- A big pot for boiling the pasta and the sauce.
- A pan for sautéing garlic and simmering the sauce.
- Spoons, spatulas and measuring cups for precise portions.
- A blender or food processor if you like a super smooth sauce.
Detailed Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or canned tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the pasta till it’s al dente then drain it.
- Make the Tomato Basil Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and cook till you smell it, about 30 seconds. Toss in tomatoes, salt and pepper then let it simmer for 8–10 minutes till it thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Basil: Pour in the cream and stir, simmer for another 5 minutes. Add basil leaves and mix until the sauce is smooth and green flecks show.
- Combine: Put the drained pasta back in the pot and pour the tomato basil sauce over it. Stir gently so every piece is coated.
- Serve: Dish it up with extra basil on top and a sprinkling of Parmesan if you like.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
- Use the freshest ingrediants you can find.
- Adjust cream amount to get the thickness you like.
- Feel free to toss in extra veggies or proteins based on your taste.
Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
- Side Dishes: Garlic bread, a simple salad or roasted vegtables go really well.
- Wine Pairings: A crisp white, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, balances the creamy and tangy flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream if the sauce feels too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta vegan?
Yes, just swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Make sure your pasta is vegan too, some brands have eggs.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream or even almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
How can I add more protein?
Try adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils to boost the protein.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Dried basil works if you’re in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh so it doesn’t taste too strong.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely. Make it ahead, portion it out and store in the fridge. Just know the sauce might thicken, so stir in a little liquid when you reheat.
Conclusion
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta brings together fresh tomatos, fragrant basil and a silky cream sauce in one awesome dish. It’s easy to make, totally customizable and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and add your own twist to make it just how you like!
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the heavy cream, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped basil leaves and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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