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When making creamy tomato basil pasta, you need a few key items: - 8 oz. fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Fettuccine is perfect for this dish. Its wide noodles hold the sauce well. Olive oil gives the dish a nice richness. Garlic adds a warm, savory flavor. Crushed tomatoes bring a fresh, tangy taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and rich. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that everyone loves. Seasonings make this dish pop. You will want: - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil is a must for this recipe. It gives a burst of flavor and a nice color. Dried oregano adds a touch of earthiness. A little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making every bite delightful. For a full recipe, check the complete list of ingredients and steps. To cook the pasta, fill a pot with water. Bring it to a boil, then add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Add the fettuccine and stir it gently. Cook for 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of the pasta water. This water will help make the sauce creamy later. In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it on medium. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great but not burn. If it burns, it tastes bitter. Next, add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and mix well. Add the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn't stick. After the sauce is ready, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it well. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time. This will help get the right creamy texture. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Then, mix in the fresh basil leaves. Your creamy tomato basil pasta is now ready to serve! For the full recipe, make sure to check the recipe section. To get a smooth sauce, heat your olive oil first. Add minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant. This step adds great flavor. Next, pour in crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir them well to blend. If the sauce feels thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out. Add it slowly until you reach the right creaminess. Want more taste? Consider adding spices like crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning. You can also toss in sautéed onions or bell peppers. For a fresh twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice. These small changes can lift the dish. Watch out for burning the garlic. It can turn bitter very fast. Also, don’t skip simmering the sauce; it helps the flavors meld. Lastly, be careful not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente for the best texture. Follow these tips, and your creamy tomato basil pasta will shine. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to creamy tomato basil pasta. Chicken, shrimp, or sausage all work great. For chicken, grill or sauté it until cooked through. Slice it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the pasta. If you like shrimp, sauté it in olive oil until pink and tender. For sausage, simply cook it until browned and crumble it into the sauce. Each option adds a unique flavor and makes your meal more filling. If you want a vegetarian dish, use plant-based cream or cheese. Almond or coconut cream are great choices for a creamy texture. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan. These options give you the same rich taste without dairy. You can enjoy the same comfort of creamy tomato basil pasta while keeping it plant-based. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage for extra heat. A splash of hot sauce can also elevate the dish. This way, you get a satisfying kick without overpowering the tomato and basil flavors. By exploring these variations, you can make creamy tomato basil pasta your own. Check the Full Recipe for the base to get started! Store leftover creamy tomato basil pasta in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, label the container with the date. To reheat your pasta, use the stovetop for best results. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to help revive the sauce. Stir gently as it warms to keep the creamy texture. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This prevents the pasta from drying out. You can freeze creamy tomato basil pasta, but it may change slightly. The cream can separate when thawed. If you freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container. Use it within three months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check back to the beginning of the article. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Here are some good options: - Penne - Spaghetti - Bowtie - Rigatoni Each shape holds the sauce well. Choose one that you love. Just remember to cook it until it is al dente for the best texture. If you want a lighter option, try these substitutes: - Half-and-half - Coconut cream - Cashew cream - Silken tofu blended These options still give you creaminess without the heaviness. Coconut cream adds a nice flavor. Silken tofu blends well and is a great dairy-free choice. Making this dish vegetarian or vegan is easy. Here are some swaps: - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. - Omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese. These changes keep all the yummy flavor while making it plant-based. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta with these simple tweaks! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Creamy tomato basil pasta combines simple ingredients for a rich dish. You learned how to cook perfect fettuccine, make a smooth sauce, and mix them well. Tips on textures, flavors, and mistakes helped you refine your cooking skills. Explore variations with protein or spices to customize your meal. Proper storage and reheating ensure every bite stays delicious. Use this guide to enjoy a tasty pasta dish any time, whether for dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with this easy recipe that will elevate your dinner game! Perfectly cooked fettuccine is coated in a luscious sauce made with fresh ingredients like basil, garlic, and creamy goodness. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Ready to stir up some magic in your kitchen? Click to discover the full recipe and enjoy every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. fettuccine pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 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, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce, and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until a creamy consistency is reached.

          Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Finally, mix in the chopped fresh basil, and remove from heat.

            Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4