![- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option) The main ingredients create a rich and creamy base for your dish. I recommend using fettuccine, but any pasta works. Olive oil and garlic provide a fragrant foundation. Diced tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color. Heavy cream, or coconut cream for a vegan twist, gives that luscious creaminess we all crave. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan option) - Zest of 1 lemon Seasonings bring the dish to life. Dried oregano adds herbal notes, while salt and pepper balance everything out. Fresh basil not only enhances flavor but also adds a vibrant green color. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness, and lemon zest brightens the sauce. For the Full Recipe, check out the step-by-step guide to create this delight. To start, fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be just al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. Set the pasta aside in a large bowl or pot. Next, grab a spacious skillet and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. When the oil is warm, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it to smell great and turn light golden. Just watch closely so it doesn't burn. After that, add 1 can of drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you want a vegan option. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken a bit. Now it's time to bring everything together. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves and the zest of 1 lemon. Cook it all together for an extra minute to mix those wonderful flavors. Next, carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce until each piece is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, mix in some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency. For extra flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Once melted and mixed, taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Follow this step-by-step guide for a delicious creamy tomato basil pasta using the Full Recipe provided. Enjoy your cooking! To make the sauce just right, focus on the texture. You want it creamy but not too thick. Start with heavy cream or coconut cream. Heat it gently to blend with the tomatoes. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Balancing flavors is key for a great sauce. Start with salt and pepper, then add dried oregano. Taste the sauce as you go. Adjust the seasoning until it feels just right. Fresh basil is a must to add brightness. Mix it in right before serving for the best flavor. Garnishing can turn a simple dish into a feast for the eyes. Use fresh basil leaves as a bright garnish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds visual appeal too. Drizzling olive oil on top gives a nice touch. It also enhances the flavor. Choosing the right plateware can elevate your dish even more. Use white plates to make the colors pop. A shallow bowl can also work well for pasta. This allows for easy twirling and enjoying. Remember, a great presentation makes the meal more special. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It adds a lovely flavor. For cheese, skip the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste. Adding vegetables enhances the dish. Try spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. These veggies blend well with the tomato sauce. You can also throw in bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor. Fettuccine is great, but many pasta choices work well. Gluten-free pasta can offer a tasty option for those with dietary needs. Whole grain pasta gives you more fiber, making it a healthier pick. If you want alternatives to fettuccine, penne or rotini are also good. They hold sauce well and add a fun twist to your meal. Explore different shapes to find your favorite. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 5 days. When you want to eat it again, take it out and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it warm up a bit. For reheating, I recommend using a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it creamy. Stir gently as it heats up. This way, your pasta won’t dry out. If you use a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze creamy tomato basil pasta! However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. I suggest freezing it in single portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for easy storage. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet like before. If the sauce looks thick, add a little milk or cream. Stir until it warms through. Enjoy every bite of your delicious meal! How to make creamy tomato basil pasta from scratch? To make creamy tomato basil pasta from scratch, you will need simple ingredients. First, cook your pasta in boiling salted water. While it's cooking, sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Then, add drained diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in fresh basil and lemon zest. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Finally, add grated Parmesan cheese if desired. For the complete method, check the Full Recipe. What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich taste without dairy. You can also use whole milk with a bit of flour for thickness. For a lower-calorie option, use Greek yogurt. Just mix it in off the heat. How to prevent the sauce from curdling? To stop the sauce from curdling, keep the heat low. Always add cream slowly and stir well. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream. If using dairy, make sure it’s at room temperature. This helps blend smoothly with the other ingredients. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Before serving, mix them together in a pan with a splash of reserved pasta water. This keeps your meal fresh and tasty. What to serve with creamy tomato basil pasta? Creamy tomato basil pasta pairs great with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Best wine pairings for this dish? For wine, a light white like Pinot Grigio works well. If you prefer red, try a Chianti. Both wines enhance the flavors of the creamy sauce and fresh basil. Enjoy your meal with the perfect drink! In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy tomato basil pasta. We discussed key ingredients like fettuccine, garlic, and diced tomatoes. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting the sauce. We also covered fun variations, like vegan options and pasta alternatives, plus storage tips for leftovers. This dish is simple to make and tasty to eat. Don't hesitate to try new flavors and serve it your way. Enjoy your cooking adventures!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0d2ccc54-ba9e-4139-9855-110e42b85de7-250x250.webp)
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Indulge in the richness of creamy tomato basil pasta that’s quick and easy to make! This delicious recipe combines fettuccine with garlic, fresh basil, and a luscious cream sauce, creating a meal everyone will love. Plus, it's versatile—try coconut cream for a vegan twist! Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Italy tonight!