Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• 7 oz pasta (start cooking before preparing the sauce)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced or thinly sliced)
• 1.5 handfuls fresh basil (roughly chopped or torn)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

4. 4

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly, which deepens the flavor.

5. 5

   Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and combined. If using butter, add it now and stir until melted.

6. 6

   Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.

7. 7

   Toss in the fresh basil, stir everything together until the pasta is well coated, and serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to help thin the sauce if it becomes too thick. For extra flavor, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition per serving

• pasta
• weeknight meal
• quick dinner
• vegetarian
• main course
• easy recipe