Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Delight (Printable)

Enjoy creamy tomato basil pasta made in one pot, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

# What you need:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 12 oz penne or linguine pasta (dry)
02 - ½ cup heavy cream
03 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Vegetables & Herbs

05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 cans diced tomatoes (canned, undrained)
08 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Liquids & Basics

09 - 3 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - Salt and pepper to taste
12 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer until fragrant.
02 - Stir in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and butter. Mix well.
03 - Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
04 - Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 12–14 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced.
05 - Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is well coated.
06 - Check seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
  • The flavor combination of creamy tomato and fresh basil feels like a warm Italian embrace.
02 -
  • Once, I forgot to rinse my pasta before adding it to the pot, and it stuck together terribly—don’t skip that step!
  • Using quality diced tomatoes and freshly grated cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
03 -
  • Never underestimate the power of high-quality ingredients as they elevate the simplest dishes.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting your garlic first before adding it.
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