Try out our Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe! Taste the familiar and savor the warmth of our homemade Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta, in restaurant style. I prepared the pasta according to my taste and included cheese of my choice and juicy cherry tomatoes with a pleasant aroma of basil to complement it.
It’s a simple, healthy, and Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta dish perfect to make for a weekday meal and, at the same time, can be served to guests for a special occasion. The garlic tomato cream sauce is rich and thick with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sticking well to the pasta. Made with fresh basil at the end, it tastes great, and you love it.
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 -50 minutes
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Origin and Inspiration:
Fresh basil and tomato pasta is a simple pasta dish that can be made in about 30 minutes, and it is an ideal alternative for quick weeknights. The recipe’s simplicity allows one to enjoy a tasty dish while not spending so much time cooking, whereas fast food is still slower than usual. This recipe typically includes fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and cheeses like Parmesan or Velveeta. Moreover, one of the ingredients is fresh herbs that are instrumental in making a mild yet satisfying dish.
How can I make creamy tomato basil pasta healthier?
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or legume-based pasta. This will give you more fiber and protein, and hence more fuel for better digestion and satiety.
Reduced-Fat Cheese: Instead of using the full-fat varieties of cheese, choose from the low-fat options or use less cheese than you normally would. This allows you to have that cheese flavor while still saving on fat.
Add More Vegetables: Introduce these so-called plants, like green leaf spinach, subtle but striking zucchini, and yellowish-orange bell pepper. Besides increasing vitamins and minerals, this makes the food bulkier, as would be the case with the smaller serving.
Flavor Enhancements:
Fresh Herbs: Buckling your belt with a super-heavy dome of basil leaf. Try slipping some thyme and oregano into your meals to enjoy the taste dimension without adding a single calorie. Natural herbs are in the thick of it, having power instilled in their properties, such as anti-inflammatory power 1.
Garlic and Onions: Use extra garlic and onions for more flavor and, consequently, health benefits. Garlic is associated with numerous health benefits, like reducing the risk of heart disease.
Cooking Techniques:
Use olive oil: Olive oil is healthy, but consuming too much can increase your daily calorie intake. If you’re watching your calories, consider boiling your vegetables in vegetable broth instead of cooking them with oil.
Cream Alternatives: If you plan to use whole cream in your recipe, use thick yogurt or plant-based milk, which has less fat and is creamy enough.
Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta Ingredients:
The cheesy tomato basil pasta recipe has always been my top choice. Each time I make it, I feel a deep satisfaction and desire for the food. It is supreme, and the way the cheese melts and glides smoothly is divine. I’ve also got other food recipes on my site, such as the Spicy Mac and Cheese recipe, which is equally delicious. Now let’s check out the cheesy tomato basil pasta ingredient with measurements to prepare the Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta:
- 2 cups of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Let’s begin to make the fresh basil and pasta recipes with the given ingredient and directions:
- Cook the pasta.
- Boil 4-6 cups of water in a pot.
- Add the pasta and cook for a minute until al dente.
- Drain the pasta water.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of boiled pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large iron skillet, heat the olive oil.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes:
- Add in the diced tomatoes and paste.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir well and simmer for about 5–10 minutes.
- Creamy Addition:
- Reduce the flame to low.
- Add in the heavy cream.
- Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Let the pasta sauce thicken slightly.
- Cheesy Goodness:
- Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts together.
- Add some reserved pasta water.
- Stir well for a minute.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Toss to coat, and combine evenly.
- Add chopped, fresh basil leaves.
- Stir again.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Finish with freshly ground black pepper.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta.
Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta Calories:
2 cups of pasta: 400 calories
Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta Calories per Serving: 413 calories per serving
2 tablespoons of olive oil: 240 calories
1 medium onion: 44 calories
3 cloves garlic: 12 calories
1 can of diced tomatoes: 70 calories
1/4 cup tomato paste: 30 calories
1 teaspoon sugar: 16 calories
1/2 cup heavy cream: 400 calories
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: 320 calories
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: 110 calories
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: 1 calorie
Finally! Have some time to try out this delicious recipe and serve it to your friends and family with love. I bet they will love your cooking and never forget the taste of cheesy tomato basil pasta! I highly recommend you visit thehungrystroy.com to discover and enjoy any recipes that catch your eye.
