Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream The main ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce. Penne pasta holds the sauce well. Olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor. Garlic provides aroma and taste. Crushed tomatoes give the dish its base and body. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and luscious. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These flavor enhancers take the dish to a new level. Red pepper flakes add a little heat. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh basil brings a bright, herbal note. Salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory finish. - Twisted fusilli - Classic spaghetti - Gluten-free options If you want to switch up the pasta, you have great choices. Twisted fusilli catches more sauce with its curves. Classic spaghetti is a timeless option that never disappoints. If you need gluten-free, many brands offer great alternatives. Each type of pasta will give you a unique dining experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, boil a large pot of salted water. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every quart of water. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package, usually around 10-12 minutes for al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm but cooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to keep one cup of the starchy pasta water for later. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for one to two minutes. Stir it constantly so it does not burn. After that, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes, about 28 ounces. Mix in one teaspoon of red pepper flakes and one teaspoon of sugar. Let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken. Next, lower the heat and slowly whisk in one cup of heavy cream. Keep stirring until it blends smoothly. Simmer for an extra five to seven minutes. This makes the sauce nice and creamy. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help get the right creamy texture. Finally, mix in half a cup of fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! To make the best vodka sauce, adjust the spice levels with red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. If you want more heat, add more. This spice gives the sauce a nice kick without being overpowering. Another key tip is to use reserved pasta water. After cooking the pasta, save a cup of that starchy water. When mixing the pasta with the sauce, add some water if the sauce is too thick. This helps create a creamy, smooth finish. Garnishing your dish makes it look and taste even better. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil adds richness and shine. For serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. This cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. You can also serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Choosing the right skillet is important for making the sauce. A large, heavy skillet spreads heat evenly, which helps cook the sauce properly. To enhance flavors, start by sautéing the minced garlic in olive oil. This step brings out the garlic's sweetness and depth. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Just cook until fragrant, then add the crushed tomatoes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor and aroma to your pasta. Add it at the end to preserve its bright color and taste. Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and increase it gradually for the perfect heat. Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a great tool to adjust the sauce's consistency. Add it gradually to achieve the desired creaminess. Enhance with Parmesan: Don't skimp on the grated Parmesan cheese! It adds depth and a savory finish that complements the creaminess of the sauce. {{image_4}} You can switch up your vodka pasta by using a marinara sauce base. It adds a nice twist. Marinara is rich and brings out the tomato flavor. This change can make it lighter yet still tasty. You can also explore different types of cream. Instead of heavy cream, try half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Each type gives a unique taste. Want to add protein to your dish? You can easily incorporate chicken or shrimp into your vodka pasta. Simply cook the protein first, then add it to the sauce. This addition makes the meal heartier. If you prefer vegetarian options, mushrooms work great. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown for a nice texture. They absorb the sauce well and add depth. To enhance the flavor, try infusing your sauce with additional herbs. Fresh thyme or oregano can add a lovely aroma. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While Parmesan is classic, goat cheese or ricotta can bring a creamier texture. Each choice offers a new taste experience. After you enjoy your vodka pasta, let it cool first. Place the pasta in a bowl. Use a spoon to break up any clumps. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For storage containers, use airtight options. Glass containers work well. They help keep flavors fresh. To reheat leftovers, use a skillet. Add the pasta and a splash of water. Heat it on low until warm. Stir often to mix in the sauce. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stop to stir every minute. This helps prevent the sauce from separating. You can freeze vodka pasta if you have extra. To freeze, let it cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove for the best flavor. Vodka pasta has simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving This mix creates a creamy and rich dish. The tomatoes give it a nice tang. The cream adds smoothness. Garlic and basil bring fresh flavors. Each bite is a delight! Yes, vodka pasta is safe for kids. When you cook with vodka, the heat removes most of the alcohol. The sauce simmers for a while, making it safe to eat. However, always check the amount of vodka you use. A small splash can add flavor without much alcohol left. Parents can also skip vodka for a kid-friendly version. Just make a creamy tomato sauce without it! To thicken vodka sauce, you can use a few easy tricks. Here are some tips: - Use reserved pasta water: Add a little at a time to adjust the sauce thickness. - Simmer longer: Let the sauce cook longer to reduce it. - Add more cream: Mixing in extra heavy cream adds both thickness and richness. These methods help you get that perfect creamy texture. Keep stirring, and enjoy your delicious vodka pasta! To make vodka pasta, start with key ingredients like penne, garlic, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta and making sauce. Tips included how to adjust flavors and best practices for storing leftovers. Remember, you can customize this dish by adding proteins or experimenting with different cheeses. Enjoy creating your own version of this creamy delight. With the right techniques, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Now, it’s time for you to cook and savor each bite!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with fresh basil and a rich tomato sauce.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sugar
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant but not browned—this will enhance the flavor of the oil.
Add Tomatoes: Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes while stirring to combine. Add the red pepper flakes and sugar, mixing everything well. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and slowly whisk in the heavy cream until fully blended. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
Mix in Pasta: Gradually add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta in the delicious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
Finish with Basil: Stir in the freshly chopped basil, and season the dish generously with salt and cracked black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta evenly among serving dishes and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this dish!

Notes

For an extra touch, consider garnishing with additional basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil on top of the pasta before serving.

Keyword basil, creamy, pasta, tomato