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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente per package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 1 minute.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer over medium-low for 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan, and basil to the skillet. Toss, adding pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings to the pasta. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can make the tomato base a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently, add the cream and cheese, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.