Signature Recipe
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Rich and creamy pasta tossed in a flavorful tomato basil sauce, topped with Parmesan.
Imagine a comforting bowl of pasta that welcomes you home after a long day, filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of garlic and fresh basil. This delightful dish features penne pasta, perfectly cooked to al dente perfection, ready to soak up a rich and creamy sauce that is as vibrant in flavor as it is in color. The combination of crushed tomatoes and fragrant basil creates a sauce that is both hearty and refreshing, making each bite a delightful experience.
As you sauté minced garlic in a drizzle of olive oil, the pungent aroma wafts through your kitchen, instantly awakening your senses. This essential step lays the foundation for a sauce that is not just delicious but also deeply satisfying. The crushed tomatoes join the garlic in a bubbling embrace, transforming into a luscious mixture that is both tangy and sweet. With a sprinkle of fresh basil, the sauce bursts with flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment for the pasta.
Once the penne pasta is cooked and drained, it eagerly meets the vibrant tomato basil sauce. The creamy texture envelops the pasta, ensuring that each piece is coated in a rich layer of goodness. Just when you think it couldn’t get better, a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese crowns the dish, adding a salty, nutty finish that brings everything together beautifully.
This easy-to-make recipe, which takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish invites you to create something truly special that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this culinary adventure that is sure to become a staple in your home!
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (about 28 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
- 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, plus more for serving)
- salt to taste salt
- pepper to taste black pepper
Steps
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- Rich and creamy pasta tossed in a flavorful tomato basil sauce, topped with Parmesan.