Description
Homemade creamy tomato basil pasta delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Fresh ingredients combine for a delightful meal you can savor quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) pasta
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn (or more to taste)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tbsp flour
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsps butter
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Generously salt a large pot of water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, maintaining a slight firmness.
- Sauce Foundation: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until it develops a golden, nutty aroma. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour notes.
- Flavor Building: Introduce minced garlic to the roux, allowing its fragrance to bloom. Pour in broth and let it reduce by half, concentrating the savory essence.
- Sauce Transformation: Blend cream, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning into the reduced liquid, whisking until achieving a luxurious, uniform texture. Fold in chopped tomatoes, simmering to marry the flavors.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat and incorporate parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper, balancing the sauce’s profile.
- Pasta Fusion: Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid. Gently combine pasta with the sauce, using reserved water to perfect the consistency if needed.
- Serving: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional grated parmesan to elevate the dish’s richness and presentation.
Notes
- Boost Pasta Texture: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly and adjust consistency smoothly.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk roux continuously and cook for exactly one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and ensure silky smoothness.
- Maximize Flavor Depth: Use freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves for more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Temperature Control Matters: Maintain medium-high heat when cooking sauce to prevent burning while developing rich, complex flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg