Creamy Tomato Pasta Basil (Print Version)
A comforting pasta featuring rich tomato cream sauce and fragrant fresh basil for easy weeknight meals.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or spaghetti
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 tsp sugar
09 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
11 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Finish
12 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn
13 - Extra Parmesan, for serving
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
02 - Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
04 - Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way cream transforms ordinary tomato sauce into something restaurant worthy
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
02 -
- Reserving pasta water is the difference between sauce that coats perfectly and sauce that slides right off
- The cream can separate if the heat is too high, so keep things gentle when you add it
03 -
- Grate your own Parmesan since pre grated cheese has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Tear basil by hand instead of chopping to preserve the delicate oils and prevent bruising