When the world feels a little too hectic, and all you crave is a swift escape to a cozy Italian eatery—this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, drenched in the kind of creamy goodness that’ll make you forget about everything else (even that pile of laundry waiting). I swear, the aroma of fresh basil is almost as intoxicating as the pasta itself—or maybe that’s just me romanticizing dinner again!
Steps
- Cook the pasta following the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, then add 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
- Serve the tomato and basil sauce over the cooked pasta, and garnish with the remaining parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best taste.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles (or whole wheat spaghetti, or any type of pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly diced ripe tomatoes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 789mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1865IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the pasta with whole wheat spaghetti or any other pasta type that you prefer.
- What variations can I try with this Tomato Basil Pasta?
- You can add vegetables like chopped spinach, onion, zucchini, or asparagus, or include chicken to make the dish more filling and increase protein content.
- How long does it take to prepare this dish?
- The Tomato Basil Pasta takes about 30 minutes in total, with 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.
- What can I serve with Tomato Basil Pasta?
- This pasta pairs well with Easy Homemade Breadsticks or Garlic Knots for a complete meal.
- How can I prevent the garlic from burning while sautéing?
- Be sure to sauté the garlic for only about 30 seconds over medium heat and keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Tips
- Avoid burning the garlic by sautéing it for only about 30 seconds on medium heat. This ensures it releases its flavors without turning bitter.
- Enhance the dish by adding extra vegetables such as spinach, onion, zucchini, or asparagus for additional flavor and nutrients.
- For a heartier meal, incorporate protein by sautéing seasoned chicken in oil before adding the garlic and continuing with the recipe.
- Opt for whole wheat spaghetti or another pasta variety to provide a different texture and nutritional profile.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Garlic Press (if you don’t already have one for the garlic)
- Pasta Pot or Stockpot (if you don’t have a suitable pot for cooking pasta)
- Colander (for draining the pasta)
- Chef’s Knife (for chopping tomatoes and basil)
- Cutting Board (if you don’t have a suitable surface for preparing ingredients)
