Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta is SO EASY! A luscious sauce with crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil makes the perfect comforting meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter for sautéing and adding richness
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning to bring warmth and depth
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes the base of the sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream for creaminess
- 1 cup Romano cheese grated, for a salty, savory touch
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp pepper for a hint of spice
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder to enhance the garlic flavor
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped, for freshness and aroma
- 16 oz penne pasta the perfect shape to hold onto the sauce
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Add the Italian seasoning to the skillet and stir for a few seconds to release its flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Romano cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil. This will add a burst of freshness to the dish, making it even more delightful.
- Transfer the Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta to serving plates. You can garnish with additional grated Romano cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy your meal with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil does not provide the same aroma.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.