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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy tomato basil pasta with a velvety sauce made from fresh tomatoes, basil, and blended cottage cheese for a light yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cottage cheese (small-curd)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Pour in the 14-ounce (400 g) can of crushed tomatoes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. In a blender or with an immersion blender, blend 1/2 cup (120 ml) cottage cheese until smooth.
  5. Stir the blended cottage cheese and 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream into the tomato sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring gently. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not add cream too quickly or at high heat to prevent separation. Blend cottage cheese separately for a smooth sauce. Salt pasta water generously. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add basil at the end to preserve fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, homemade pasta sauce, quick dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-velvety-sauce-tutorial/