There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. When you infuse this classic dish with the aromatic essence of fresh basil, you elevate it to a level that's both sophisticated and heartwarming. Today, let's delve into the world of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, a recipe that promises to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Why Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
This sauce brings together the sweet acidity of tomatoes, the fresh scent of basil, and the creamy texture that we all love in a good pasta dish. Here’s why you should try this recipe:
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of tomato and basil is a match made in culinary heaven. Add cream to the mix, and you get a harmonious blend of flavors that are both robust and subtle.
- Versatility: It pairs wonderfully with any pasta shape, from spaghetti to penne, making it perfect for any pasta lover’s pantry.
- Speed and Simplicity: It’s easy to whip up, even on weeknights when you’re short on time but not on appetite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh tomatoes | 8 large |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1⁄2 cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | For serving |
| Pasta (of your choice) | 400g |
Preparation Steps
- Blanch the Tomatoes: Score the bottom of the tomatoes with an ‘X’. Boil them briefly in water until the skin starts to peel back, then cool them in an ice bath. Peel the skin, chop, and set aside.
- Sauté the Base: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Add Tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, cook until they break down and form a sauce.
- Infuse with Basil: Roughly chop half the basil leaves and add them to the sauce to infuse flavor.
- Finish with Cream: Once the tomatoes have reduced, pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently to incorporate.
- Season: Adjust the taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Combine: Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to bind if needed.
- Garnish: Use the remaining basil leaves for garnish, and offer Parmesan for a final touch.
⭐ Note: The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and freshness. Use the best tomatoes you can find for the finest flavor. You can also play with the heat level by adding chili flakes for a spicy kick.
As we wrap up our journey through the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, remember that this dish is not just about the ingredients but also about the care and love you put into cooking it. The key points to take away are:
- The combination of fresh tomatoes and basil creates a harmonious flavor profile.
- The addition of cream gives the sauce a luxurious texture without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Its versatility allows for various pasta pairings, catering to individual preferences.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
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Yes, while fresh tomatoes will yield the best flavor, high-quality canned tomatoes can be used, especially out of season. They’re already peeled, making your prep time shorter.
How do I make this sauce vegan?
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To make the sauce vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk for a similar creamy consistency.
Can I store this sauce for later?
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Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it without the cream for up to 3 months. Add cream when reheating.
Related Terms:
- spaghetti tomato
- Saus tomat
- Pesto pasta
- Basil Chicken Pasta
- Cherry tomato pasta
- Tomato basil soup
