Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon flour
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil, torn (or more to taste)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve a tablespoon or so of the pasta water before draining.

2. Make the Sauce:

• When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Sprinkle in ½ tablespoon of flour to make a quick roux, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring often to remove the raw flour taste.
• Add the minced garlic, then pour in ¼ cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Let it simmer and reduce by half (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
• Whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard (if using), and ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Add Tomatoes and Thicken the Sauce:

• Stir in the chopped tomatoes and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and for the tomatoes to soften.

4. Finish the Sauce:

• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and the torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Toss the Pasta:

• Drain the pasta, reserving a tablespoon of pasta water, and add the pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

• Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with more freshly grated parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 2 servings

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta:

• Customize the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. For a richer dish, use a bit more parmesan.
• Fresh Basil is Key: While dried basil can work in a pinch, fresh basil adds a brightness to this dish that takes it to the next level.
• Adjust the Flavor: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the sauce.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that highlights fresh ingredients and rich flavors. With a silky sauce, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it’s the perfect meal when you want something quick yet indulgent. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or a slice of garlic bread. Enjoy this easy-to-make pasta recipe and savor every bite!

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