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To make this simple dish, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably with herbs) - 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients form the base of the creamy sauce. The garlic and olive oil bring rich flavors. The crushed tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. The broth adds depth, while the cream makes it smooth. You can make this dish even better with a few optional ingredients: - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness) - Fresh mozzarella balls (optional, for an elegant topping) Adding Parmesan gives a savory kick. Mozzarella adds creaminess and looks beautiful. These are not required, but they can elevate your dish. You can easily adapt this recipe to meet different dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options. - Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. - Vegan: Omit cheese and use a dairy-free cream. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These adjustments allow everyone to enjoy this comforting meal. Whether you need gluten-free or vegan options, there is always a way to make it work. For the full recipe, check out the complete details! Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Be careful not to let it brown. This step gives your dish a fresh garlic flavor. Next, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 3 cups of vegetable broth. Stir gently to mix everything well. Then, add 12 oz of penne pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to medium. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. This creates a nice, saucy pasta. Now, lower the heat to a simmer. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and warm. For extra richness, you can fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Serve hot, and if you like, top with fresh mozzarella balls and more chopped basil for a colorful finish. You can find the Full Recipe for more details and tips! To cook pasta al dente, you need to watch the time. Start with the package instructions. Set a timer for about two minutes less than the suggested time. Taste the pasta as it cooks. It should be firm yet tender. This gives the pasta a nice bite and helps it hold sauce well. If you overcook it, the pasta becomes mushy. I recommend stirring the pasta often to keep it from sticking together. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Use fresh basil for a bright flavor. Chop it just before you add it to the pot. This keeps its oils intact. You can also try fresh tomatoes if you want a more vibrant taste. They add a juicy texture to the dish. Lastly, using high-quality olive oil boosts the overall flavor. It gives the sauce richness that adds depth. Presentation matters when serving. Choose wide, shallow bowls for a nice look. This allows you to show off the colorful sauce. For a pop of color, add fresh mozzarella balls on top. They melt slightly and look inviting. You can also sprinkle extra chopped basil for garnish. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds shine and flavor. Don't forget to finish with freshly cracked black pepper for a little kick! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based option. Add more veggies to boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Just toss them in during the cooking process. They will cook down and blend nicely with the sauce. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options. Follow the same cooking times as regular pasta. You can also make the dish using spiralized veggies like zucchini or squash. This gives a fresh twist while keeping it light. Want to add protein? Chicken or shrimp are both great choices. For chicken, use diced breast or thighs. Sauté them first until cooked through, then add the garlic and continue with the recipe. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and add a nice touch. To keep your One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature. Transfer it to the fridge quickly. It can last for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This helps to regain the creamy texture. Microwave it in short bursts to avoid overheating. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat. Just be patient and stir until it warms up. If you want to store this pasta for longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat using the tips above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients. The texture may change a bit, but it still tastes great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. It may take a minute or two longer to cook. If you want to skip heavy cream, try using half-and-half. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Another choice is to blend silken tofu with a bit of plant milk. This gives a creamy texture without the extra fat. This creamy tomato basil pasta lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the ingredients and steps above. In this guide, we explored how to make a simple, creamy tomato basil pasta. We discussed key ingredients, shared step-by-step cooking tips, and offered variations for different diets. Remember, perfecting your dish lies in using fresh ingredients and cooking pasta just right. Try these suggestions to boost flavor and appeal. With proper storage, your leftovers will stay tasty for meals later on. Enjoy this versatile dish and make it your own!

One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe! This delicious dish combines penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil in a rich, creamy sauce that cooks all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's packed with flavor and easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's sure to impress your family and friends. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably with herbs)

3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)

Fresh mozzarella balls (optional, for an elegant topping)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds or just until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown to maintain a fresh garlic flavor.

    Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir gently to ensure both are well combined with the oil and garlic, allowing the flavors to meld.

      Introduce the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a saucy consistency.

        Lower the heat to a simmer and incorporate the heavy cream, chopped basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and heated through—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

          For an extra layer of creaminess, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and well-distributed into the sauce.

            Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh mozzarella balls and additional chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor if desired.

              - Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant sauce, and drizzle a touch of olive oil on top for an extra touch. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the visual appeal.