Print

Creamy Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Basil and Parmesan

creamy tomato sauce pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting creamy tomato sauce pasta with fresh basil and Parmesan that balances tangy tomatoes with rich cream and bright herbs for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) dried pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
  • Water and salt for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent and soft, but not browned.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine without burning the garlic.
  4. Pour in the 14-ounce (400-gram) can of crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream or half-and-half. Let the sauce simmer for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes silky and slightly thickened. If the sauce looks too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce pan. Toss well to coat every strand or piece with the creamy tomato sauce.
  7. Turn off the heat and gently fold in the fresh basil leaves. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss once more.
  8. Divide the pasta into bowls and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few basil leaves for garnish if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Add cream slowly over low heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh basil should be added last to keep its bright flavor. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with added cream or pasta water.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato sauce pasta, easy pasta recipe, homemade pasta sauce, fresh basil pasta, Parmesan pasta, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/creamy-tomato-sauce-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-fresh-basil-and-parmesan/