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Pasta dishes are a beloved staple in many households, and among them, creamy tomato basil pasta stands out for its delightful combination of flavors and comforting texture. This dish embraces the rich, vibrant taste of tomatoes infused with the fresh, aromatic notes of basil, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. It is a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Discover the deliciousness of creamy tomato basil pasta, a comforting dish that effortlessly blends rich flavors and a luscious texture. This versatile recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, featuring fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy sauce. Whether enjoyed with grilled chicken or as a vegetarian delight, this pasta dish is simple to customize. Dive into a world of warmth and nostalgia with every satisfying bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)

1 cup heavy cream

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

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be vigilant not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can affect the flavor of the dish.

      Add Tomatoes: Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by adding the granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, which will help the flavors to meld together beautifully.

        Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat even further and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate. Let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 3-4 minutes. If at any point the sauce gets too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.

          Incorporate Basil & Cheese: Stir in the finely chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and the zest of the lemon. Mix well until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

            Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing vigorously to ensure every strand of pasta is well-coated. If needed, add more of the reserved pasta water until the pasta reaches your desired creaminess.

              Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with extra chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious creamy tomato basil pasta warm!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings