30-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
30-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that transforms a busy weeknight into a delightful culinary experience. This luscious dish features a creamy sauce infused with fresh basil and sweet tomatoes, all ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying cravings, it’s both simple and satisfying. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant pasta that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add canned diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in fresh basil before serving; top with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 230g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. - Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. - Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used for healthier alternatives.