Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Rosa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 14 oz crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; to taste salt and pepper; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; for garnish fresh basil leaves

Craving a warm and creamy pasta dish? You've found it! This Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa packs all the flavors you love, minus the vodka. It's perfect for cozy nights or quick dinners. I’ll guide you through simple steps, key ingredients, and smart tips. Whether you follow a special diet or want to switch things up, this dish has options for everyone. Let’s dive into making this delicious comfort food!

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose ripe tomatoes when possible. If fresh basil is not available, use dried basil. For the Parmesan, a quality block is best. Grate it yourself for the best flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy cream. You can also skip the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast. This dish includes gluten and dairy. If you avoid gluten, choose gluten-free penne. To make it vegan, use non-dairy cream and skip the cheese. This recipe is rich and filling, perfect for a comfort meal. Always check labels for hidden allergens. Enjoy with a side salad for a balanced meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. Once the water boils, add 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it following the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a bowl. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add a medium onion that you diced. Sauté the onion for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Now, pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir it gently and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss it well to coat every piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the pasta water. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Your Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa is ready to enjoy! To get the right sauce texture, start by simmering the crushed tomatoes. Let them cook for about 10 minutes. This helps blend the flavors well. When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat low. This makes it creamy without curdling. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Always stir to mix everything nicely. Want to boost flavors? Try adding more herbs like thyme or fresh basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. You can also mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein kick. These options make your dish more exciting. Experimenting with flavors can make it uniquely yours. When reheating, use low heat to keep the cream nice. Add a bit of water or broth to help. This keeps it smooth and tasty. For serving, plate the pasta in bowls and top with fresh basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. Enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves instead of dried. Add them at the end for a vibrant taste. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth. Save Pasta Water: Keep a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. This swap keeps the dish creamy while making it plant-based. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These options cook well and hold the sauce nicely. Always check the package for cooking times. For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can mix these in when you combine the pasta and sauce. If you want to add vegetables, try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add them during the sautéing step to keep them tender and flavorful. To store your Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Freezing Pasta Rosa is simple. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The sauce can expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. Remember to label the container with the date. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place your pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If it seems dry, add a bit of cream or water. Enjoy your comforting dish just as good as the first time! Pasta Rosa is a creamy pasta dish with tomato and basil flavors. It is rich, smooth, and comforting. In our vodka-free version, we focus on the creamy texture and fresh taste. The dish uses penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream to create a luscious sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick meal any night. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, combine it with the pasta, and enjoy! This makes it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal on busy days. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These substitutes keep the dish creamy while changing the flavor slightly. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the taste. To spice up your Pasta Rosa, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust these ingredients to your preferred heat level. A little spice enhances the flavors and brings a warm kick. In this article, we explored the tasty world of Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa. We covered the key ingredients and shared tips for making it just right. You learned about cooking techniques, variations for dietary needs, and how to store leftovers. This dish is easy, fun, and can fit many diets. You can enjoy a homemade meal that suits your taste. Try it out and impress your family and friends with your new cooking skills!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: This creamy tomato basil pasta can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and spices creates a luscious sauce that elevates the dish.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to the pasta for a personal touch and extra nutrition.
Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients for Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Notes on Quality and Substitutions

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose ripe tomatoes when possible. If fresh basil is not available, use dried basil. For the Parmesan, a quality block is best. Grate it yourself for the best flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy cream. You can also skip the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.

Dietary Considerations

This dish includes gluten and dairy. If you avoid gluten, choose gluten-free penne. To make it vegan, use non-dairy cream and skip the cheese. This recipe is rich and filling, perfect for a comfort meal. Always check labels for hidden allergens. Enjoy with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. Once the water boils, add 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it following the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a bowl.

Sautéing Aromatics and Incorporating Flavors

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add a medium onion that you diced. Sauté the onion for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Now, pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together.

Combining Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir it gently and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss it well to coat every piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the pasta water. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Your Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa is ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sauce Consistency

To get the right sauce texture, start by simmering the crushed tomatoes. Let them cook for about 10 minutes. This helps blend the flavors well. When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat low. This makes it creamy without curdling. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Always stir to mix everything nicely.

Flavor Enhancements and Additional Ingredients

Want to boost flavors? Try adding more herbs like thyme or fresh basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. You can also mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein kick. These options make your dish more exciting. Experimenting with flavors can make it uniquely yours.

Reheating and Serving Suggestions

When reheating, use low heat to keep the cream nice. Add a bit of water or broth to help. This keeps it smooth and tasty. For serving, plate the pasta in bowls and top with fresh basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. Enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves instead of dried. Add them at the end for a vibrant taste.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth.
Save Pasta Water: Keep a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Variations

Vegan and Dairy-Free Options

You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. This swap keeps the dish creamy while making it plant-based.

Gluten-Free Pasta Alternatives

If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These options cook well and hold the sauce nicely. Always check the package for cooking times.

Adding Proteins or Vegetables

For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can mix these in when you combine the pasta and sauce. If you want to add vegetables, try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add them during the sautéing step to keep them tender and flavorful.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

To store your Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.

How to Freeze Pasta Rosa

Freezing Pasta Rosa is simple. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The sauce can expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. Remember to label the container with the date.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place your pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If it seems dry, add a bit of cream or water. Enjoy your comforting dish just as good as the first time!

FAQs

What is Pasta Rosa?

Pasta Rosa is a creamy pasta dish with tomato and basil flavors. It is rich, smooth, and comforting. In our vodka-free version, we focus on the creamy texture and fresh taste. The dish uses penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream to create a luscious sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick meal any night.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, combine it with the pasta, and enjoy! This makes it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal on busy days.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These substitutes keep the dish creamy while changing the flavor slightly. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the taste.

How do I make Pasta Rosa spicier?

To spice up your Pasta Rosa, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust these ingredients to your preferred heat level. A little spice enhances the flavors and brings a warm kick.

In this article, we explored the tasty world of Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa. We covered the key ingredients and shared tips for making it just right. You learned about cooking techniques, variations for dietary needs, and how to store leftovers.

This dish is easy, fun, and can fit many diets. You can enjoy a homemade meal that suits your taste. Try it out and impress your family and friends with your new cooking skill

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Rosa

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with tomato and basil flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Plate the pasta in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and use fresh basil for garnish.

Keyword basil, creamy, pasta, tomato

Vodka-Free Pasta Rosa Flavorful Comfort Dish

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients