Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that won't keep you chained to the stove all evening? Then look no further! This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe from French Magnolia Cooks is your answer. It's a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing family and friends alike. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Create the Creamy Texture: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and chopped basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta:
- Don't overcook the garlic: Burning the garlic will impart a bitter taste to your sauce. Cook it gently until fragrant.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a superior flavor compared to dried basil.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the pasta.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream for a delicious vegan option.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Mushroom Tomato Basil Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the tomatoes.
- Sun-dried Tomato Basil Pasta: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a more intense tomato flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a delicious dish that's quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade cooking experience! We hope you enjoy this recipe from French Magnolia Cooks, and remember to share your culinary creations with us!