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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Herbs

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A quick and easy creamy tomato basil pasta that combines fresh herbs with a luscious tomato cream sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (about 800 grams)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup cottage cheese, small-curd and drained (120 grams) – optional but recommended
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or rigatoni recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup cottage cheese. Blend well to create a smooth, creamy texture. Use an immersion blender briefly if desired for a silky sauce.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil and ¼ cup chopped parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Let the pasta sit for a minute or two off the heat to absorb the sauce fully. Serve immediately with extra basil leaves or freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Avoid burning the garlic by cooking it gently and watching closely. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cottage cheese adds smoothness but can be skipped or substituted. Fresh herbs added at the end keep vibrant flavor. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with almond milk or oat cream. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/creamy-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-fresh-herbs/