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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A comforting and gourmet dish featuring pasta enveloped in a creamy tomato basil sauce, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
For the sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Consider using organic tomatoes for the freshest flavor.
  • 2 cups fresh basil, chopped You can find fresh basil at farmers' markets or well-stocked grocery stores.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Feel free to substitute with lower-fat cream alternatives if desired.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Watch the garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning.
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  2. Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they soften and start to release their juices.
  3. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining
  1. Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy tomato basil sauce until it’s well-coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Serving
  1. Distribute the creamy tomato basil pasta onto plates and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Serve hot, twirling the pasta into elegant nests on each plate for presentation. Pair with garlic bread or a simple side salad. This dish can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.