Creamy Tomato Pasta Fresh Basil (Printable)

Luscious pasta with velvety tomato cream sauce and fresh basil, ready in 30 minutes for easy weeknight Italian comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine
02 - Salt for pasta water

→ Sauce

03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 1 tsp sugar
08 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
12 - Extra Parmesan for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat evenly. If sauce appears too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Remove from heat. Gently fold in fresh basil leaves. Plate immediately, topped with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The way the cream transforms into this gorgeous coral color is pure kitchen magic
  • Fresh basil at the end makes every bite feel like summer, even in February
02 -
  • The reserved pasta water is starchy liquid gold that binds everything together
  • Adding cream to a violently bubbling sauce can cause it to separate, so lower that heat first
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are your friend, especially the cream
  • The quality of your canned tomatoes directly affects the final result

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