Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Delight
This quick and vibrant pasta dish combines a creamy tomato and basil sauce with your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended for flavor
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups crushed tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated, plus more for serving
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 cup reserved pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Boil the pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3 minutes.
- Add the chopped basil, grated Pecorino Romano, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired sauce thickness.
- Serve hot, garnished with more Pecorino Romano and additional basil if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian-friendly option, ensure the Pecorino Romano cheese is made without animal rennet. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.