Description
A quick and easy creamy tomato basil pasta made with pantry staples and fresh basil. This flavorful vegetarian dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- Reserved pasta water, as needed to thin sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until the cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use canned whole tomatoes and crush them by hand for a chunkier sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor but dried can work in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
