Description
This Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta Delight is a luscious and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil. Topped with grated Parmesan, it offers a perfect balance of creamy and herby notes that make it a comforting yet elegant meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces Pasta (your choice, such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free option)
- 1 cup Fresh basil (chopped) (Using fresh basil elevates the flavor; dried can be used in a pinch (use half amount))
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) (Substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente, generally around 9-11 minutes depending on pasta shape. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. This will create a fresh, slightly sweet tomato base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Cream and Basil: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let it simmer gently to thicken slightly, around 3-5 minutes. Then add the chopped fresh basil, stirring to infuse the sauce with herby aroma.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy basil tomato pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter or dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or cashew cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Using fresh basil greatly enhances flavor; if using dried, reduce quantity by half.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Adjust seasoning appropriately as Parmesan adds saltiness.
