Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta One Pot

$- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) This creamy tomato basil pasta uses simple, fresh ingredients. First, you need your pasta. I love using fettuccine, but any pasta works. The olive oil adds richness and flavor. Chopped onion and minced garlic bring depth to the dish. Next, the sauce comes from crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. These ingredients create a rich base. Adding heavy cream or coconut cream makes it creamy and smooth. Dried oregano gives the sauce a lovely herbal note that pairs well with tomatoes. Don’t forget the seasoning! A teaspoon of sugar balances the sauce's acidity. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors. Finally, fresh basil adds a burst of brightness. You can top your dish with Parmesan cheese if you like. This mix of ingredients makes a delightful meal in one pot. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 oz of fettuccine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, so keep an eye on it. When it’s done, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the fettuccine. In a deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook for another minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Next, pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently. Now, gently mix your drained pasta into the sauce. Make sure all the fettuccine is coated. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for another 10-12 minutes. This lets the pasta soak up the sauce. After that time, turn the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Mix in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes off the heat to thicken. Serve hot, and if you like, top with some grated Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. To get the perfect al dente pasta, you must watch the timing closely. Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the pasta's flavor. Follow the package directions but check a minute early. Taste the pasta to see if it’s done. It should be tender yet still have a bit of bite. Reserving pasta water is very important. Before you drain your pasta, save about half a cup of that starchy water. This water can help thicken your sauce and bind it to the pasta. It also adds flavor and helps the sauce stick better. To elevate your dish, think about adding more seasoning. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. You can also sprinkle some extra dried oregano or thyme for more depth. If you want a little sweetness, try adding a touch more sugar. For variety, consider adding some optional ingredients. Spinach or kale can be great for extra nutrition. You could also toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein. Sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor too. Serving this dish nicely makes it even more enjoyable. Use a large bowl to present the creamy tomato basil pasta. Garnish it with freshly chopped basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and visual appeal. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the pasta well. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and is perfect for soaking up the sauce. {{image_4}} You can make creamy tomato basil pasta fit your needs. To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This swap gives a rich flavor without dairy. If you prefer gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great textures and taste. What if you can't find fresh basil? You can use dried basil instead. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less. If you want to boost protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Both options pair well with the creamy sauce and add heartiness. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also mix in fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. They add color, nutrition, and flavor to your dish. To keep your creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing its great taste. When reheating, the best method is to use a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to help bring back the sauce. Heat it over low heat and stir often. This prevents the pasta from sticking and helps keep it creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to revive it. To freeze your pasta, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet, adding a little liquid to refresh the sauce. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Also, check that your pasta is egg-free. Many brands offer vegan pasta. What can I do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount and stir well. This will help thin it out without losing flavor. How do I know when the pasta is al dente? Pasta is al dente when it is firm but not hard. Check the package for timing, usually around 8-10 minutes. Taste a piece for the best test. What adjustments do I need to make for larger servings? To serve more people, increase the pasta and sauce in equal parts. Use about 3 oz of pasta per person. Adjust other ingredients to match for flavor. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried basil. Use about one teaspoon for each tablespoon of fresh basil. Dried basil has a more concentrated flavor, so adjust to taste. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Silken tofu blended until smooth also works well. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. You now have a detailed guide to making a delicious pasta dish. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations. You can adapt the recipe to fit your diet and preferences. Remember to store and reheat leftovers properly to enjoy your meal later. This recipe offers flexibility, so feel free to get creative. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these simple tools and tips!$

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta One Pot

Indulge in a satisfying meal with this creamy tomato basil pasta delight! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a rich, flavorful dish using simple ingredients like fettuccine, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for busy nights or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner table today! #PastaRecipes #TomatoBasil #CreamyPasta #QuickDinnerIdeas

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Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta.

In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.

Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to burn it.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the dried oregano and sugar. Stir everything together until well combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

When your pot of boiling water is ready, add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Carefully add the drained pasta to the simmering sauce mixture, ensuring all the strands are well submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After the pasta has absorbed some of the sauce, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until the pasta and sauce are fully blended.

Mix in the freshly chopped basil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate the flavors evenly.

Remove from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly, drawing in the flavors.

Serve your creamy tomato basil pasta hot. For an extra touch, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and a few fresh basil leaves for visual appeal.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4