Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta in 30 Minutes

- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, a quick and delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a rich cream sauce, this recipe is designed to please pasta lovers of all ages. It pairs beautifully with any dining scenario, whether served as a main course or a side dish. Discover how simple ingredients can create a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup heavy cream

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

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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, being careful not to burn it.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer:

- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly.

Make it Creamy:

- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, letting it thicken.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Add Fresh Basil and Cheese:

- Stir in the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve:

- Plate the creamy tomato basil pasta, garnishing with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your quick, delicious meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings