Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich tomato flavors and silky creaminess with this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce. Perfect for those who crave the depth of a traditional marinara but want to embrace the velvety smoothness of a white sauce, this recipe strikes a balance that both pasta lovers can enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients, it's an effortless dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Enhance this versatile sauce with your choice of vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes, or add proteins such as chicken or shrimp to create a heartier meal. Serve over your favorite pasta and finish with a sprinkle of KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese for an added touch of flavor. This sauce is not only quick and easy but also provides a comforting, creamy experience without sacrificing the essence of a classic tomato sauce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (added to melted butter)
Onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced)
Italian-style Diced Tomatoes
1 can (14-15 ounces) (with garlic, basil, and oregano)
Light Cream or Heavy Cream
1/4-1/2 cup (stirred in to adjust sauce creaminess)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet (10 to 12 inches), melt the butter over medium heat and then add the extra virgin olive oil.
2
Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the can of Italian-style diced tomatoes along with their juices. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a low boil and let it simmer for about 7 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the light cream or heavy cream, depending on your preference for creaminess. Allow the sauce to heat through, stirring occasionally.
5
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
6
Serve the sauce over freshly cooked pasta and generously top with KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese for a delightful finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
It is a delightful fusion of rich tomato flavors and silky creaminess, providing a balance between traditional marinara and a velvety white sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is quick and easy, coming together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta sauce?
Yes, you can enhance the sauce with vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes to suit your preference.
What proteins can be added to make this a heartier meal?
You can add proteins such as chicken or shrimp to create a more filling dish.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe recommends finishing the dish with a sprinkle of KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese.
Is this sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this creamy tomato basil pasta sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 14-15 ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes, which typically include garlic, basil, and oregano.
Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either light cream or heavy cream depending on your desired level of creaminess.
What are the primary fats used to start the sauce?
The sauce begins by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and adding 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
The finely chopped onion and minced garlic should be sautéed for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
How long does the tomato mixture need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a low boil, it should be allowed to simmer for about 7 minutes.
Should I include the liquid from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, you should stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices for the best flavor and consistency.
When should I add the cream to the sauce?
The cream should be stirred in gradually after reducing the heat to low, following the 7-minute simmer of the tomatoes.
How do I season the sauce?
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amounts to your personal preference.
What is the required amount of onion for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
How many garlic cloves are used in this sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What size skillet is recommended for cooking?
A large skillet measuring 10 to 12 inches is recommended.
What is the suggested serving method for this sauce?
Serve the sauce over freshly cooked pasta and top generously with shredded parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an effortless dish that provides a comforting experience without complex steps.
Does the sauce have a smooth texture?
The sauce features a silky creaminess and velvety smoothness due to the addition of light or heavy cream.
How much cream is typically added to the recipe?
The recipe suggests adding between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cream to adjust the sauce's creaminess.
Can I use regular diced tomatoes instead of Italian-style?
While you can use regular diced tomatoes, the Italian-style tomatoes are recommended as they include essential seasonings like garlic, basil, and oregano.
What heat setting is used for simmering the sauce?
The sauce is brought to a low boil and then simmered on a lower heat setting.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized as Italian cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is the butter melted before adding the oil?
Yes, the instructions state to melt the butter over medium heat first and then add the extra virgin olive oil.
What is the main flavor profile of this sauce?
The sauce features a blend of rich tomato, savory garlic, onion, and fresh basil notes balanced by smooth cream.
What makes this sauce good for weeknights?
Its quick preparation time of under 30 minutes and simple ingredient list make it a perfect weeknight meal.
Is extra virgin olive oil mandatory?
The recipe specifically calls for extra virgin olive oil to be used in combination with butter for the best flavor.
What should the onion look like after sautéing?
The onion should be sautéed until it becomes translucent and fragrant.