Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

This creamy tomato basil pasta is a vibrant, rich dish that is perfect for showcasing summer's best tomatoes and fresh basil. It's a delightful meatless meal that's quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (your choice of shape)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon flour
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy/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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Reserve a tablespoon of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often to make a roux.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for a few seconds before pouring in the wine or broth. Allow it to reduce by half, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Whisk in the cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and Italian seasoning until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Stir in the chopped tomatoes and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chef's Notes

• Cream Substitution: Substituting the cream with a lower-fat alternative might not yield the same richness and can risk the sauce curdling due to the tomatoes' acidity. If using half-and-half, consider increasing the flour slightly to help thicken the sauce.
• Tomato Flexibility: The size of the tomatoes isn't crucial—use what you have, even if it's one larger tomato.
• Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 551 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 108mg
• Sodium: 279mg
• Potassium: 366mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 1831IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 210mg
• Iron: 1mg

Conclusion

This creamy tomato basil pasta offers a delicious way to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It's simple, fast, and absolutely bursting with the fresh tastes of summer. Enjoy this delightful pasta dish that will surely become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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