Introduction
Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tomato, basil, and cream with perfectly cooked pasta. This classic Italian recipe is a favorite among pasta lovers and can be easily prepared at home to impress family and friends. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The combination of tangy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the best things about Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a simple weeknight dinner, a special date night meal, or served at a dinner party. The ingredients are readily available in most kitchens or can be easily sourced from the local grocery store. With a few basic cooking skills and a love for good food, you can whip up this scrumptious dish in no time.
Whether you are a fan of traditional Italian cuisine or simply looking to expand your cooking horizons, Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a recipe that is sure to please. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you will need to prepare Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti.
Ingredients
To make Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:
Pasta:
1 pound of spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Sauce:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Steps
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti. Follow these simple steps to create this delectable dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir to incorporate.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato basil sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it with some of the reserved pasta cooking water.
Variations
There are several ways to customize Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti to suit your taste preferences:
– Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a protein-packed version of the dish.
– Incorporate roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added flavor and nutrients.
– Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you perfect your Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti:
– Use fresh basil for the best flavor. You can chiffonade the basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
– Adjust the amount of cream and Parmesan cheese to suit your desired level of creaminess and cheesiness.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce before combining it with the pasta to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
– Garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves before serving for an extra touch of freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a delightful dish that brings together the classic flavors of tomato, basil, and cream in a harmonious marriage of taste and texture. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. With the right ingredients and a few easy-to-follow steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
So, the next time you are craving a comforting and satisfying pasta dish, give Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti a try. Your taste buds will thank you for the explosion of flavors in every bite!
FAQs
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can substitute dried basil if needed. Use about half the amount of dried basil compared to fresh.
Q: How long will Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti keep in the refrigerator?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti?
A: Creamy sauces with dairy may separate upon freezing and reheating, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, you can freeze the sauce without the pasta and add it to freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat.
“Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti
Creamy Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tomato, basil, and cream with perfectly cooked pasta. This classic Italian recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed for a simple weeknight dinner or a special date night meal.
Ingredients
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1 pound spaghetti
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy. Add chopped basil leaves and stir.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
