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–+ servings
A bowl of creamy tomato basil pasta with fusilli noodles, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This creamy tomato basil pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that busy cooks will love. It uses simple ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Simmer Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 ounces pasta Cavatappi recommended
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 roma tomatoes diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • ½ cup fresh basil roughly chopped, plus extra for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat butter, onion, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add tomatoes and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, until tomatoes soften.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and mix until the sauce coats it. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
  6. Add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed, adding more as necessary. Stir in fresh basil.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without a lot of fuss. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

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