Go Back
To make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan option) - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients create a blend of flavors that dance on your palate. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and taste, while the cream makes everything rich and velvety. The zest of lemon brightens the dish and gives it a fresh finish. You can find the full recipe in the detailed cooking instructions section. Enjoy the process of gathering these items; it's the first step to a delightful meal! To start, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm but cooked through. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help your sauce stick. Next, grab a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic after about 1 minute. Cook the garlic for just 1 to 2 minutes. Stir it continuously to keep it from burning. You want it fragrant and light golden, not brown. Burnt garlic can ruin your sauce. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in 1 can of drained diced tomatoes and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once your sauce is thick, add the seasonings. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and the zest of 1 lemon. Cook this for another minute to blend the flavors. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta, stirring it to coat well in the creamy sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the right consistency. Enjoy the creamy tomato basil pasta delight! For the full recipe details, be sure to check out the complete guide. To get that perfect creamy texture in your dish, you must use pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Always reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This simple step makes a big difference! Simmering is key. Keep your sauce on low heat after adding the cream. Stir often to avoid burning. Letting it simmer for a few minutes thickens it nicely. You want the sauce to coat the pasta without being too runny. Garnishing makes a dish shine. Use fresh basil leaves as a bright touch. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and looks great. Drizzling a bit of olive oil on top adds a nice finish. For serving, consider using wide bowls. They give a lovely view of your creamy pasta. You can also serve it family-style in a large bowl. Let everyone dig in! Want to boost the flavor? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A dash of smoked paprika can add depth. Fresh herbs always lift the taste, so use them generously. Using fresh ingredients is vital. Fresh basil packs more flavor than dried. If you can, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for added sweetness. These small changes will make your dish pop! For the full recipe, check out the link and get cooking! {{image_2}} If you want a vegan version, you can make simple swaps. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a rich texture and flavor. For the cheese, skip the Parmesan and try nutritional yeast. It adds a nice cheesy taste without the dairy. For pasta, choose whole wheat or lentil pasta. These options are healthy and add extra fiber. They can hold the sauce well, just like traditional fettuccine. For gluten-free pasta, look for options made from rice or corn. These pastas cook similarly to regular pasta. Popular choices include brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Be mindful of cooking times. Gluten-free pasta may cook faster, so check the package. This ensures you don’t end up with mushy noodles. Want to add some protein? You can easily mix in cooked chicken or shrimp. They pair well with the creamy sauce. Simply sauté them before adding the sauce. You could also toss in veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work great. They add color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes. This brings out their flavor before mixing in the sauce. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. Enjoy exploring these variations! To keep your creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help lock in flavor and moisture. The pasta stays good for about three to four days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture build-up. You can freeze creamy tomato basil pasta for later. First, let it cool completely. Next, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for about one to two months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps above. To make creamy tomato basil pasta, follow these simple steps. First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. Then, add drained diced tomatoes and let them cook. Pour in heavy cream, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer for five minutes. Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in fresh basil and lemon zest. Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve warm. For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with several options. Here are some great alternatives: - Coconut cream for a vegan choice - Cashew cream for a rich flavor - Almond milk with a thickener - Silken tofu blended until smooth These options work well to keep the dish creamy and delicious. To give your creamy tomato basil pasta a kick, try these ideas: - Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Toss in diced jalapeños for a fresh bite - Use spicy Italian sausage for depth - Stir in a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor These additions can elevate the dish and satisfy spicy food lovers. Pair creamy tomato basil pasta with tasty side dishes. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - A fresh green salad for balance - Roasted vegetables for extra color For beverages, consider serving a crisp white wine or sparkling water. These pair well with the pasta and enhance your meal experience. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for making a delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. We explored variations for different diets and provided storage advice for leftovers. In conclusion, you can enjoy a tasty and creamy pasta dish. With a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, your kitchen can create a meal everyone loves. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that's sure to impress! This delicious recipe combines fettuccine, fresh basil, and a rich creamy sauce for a comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easily customizable for vegan diets too. Gather your ingredients and discover how to create this mouthwatering pasta. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan option)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously to avoid burning.

      Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

        Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix in the chopped fresh basil and lemon zest, cooking for an additional minute.

          Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.

            Finish with Cheese: Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates or bowls.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil for a touch of elegance before serving.