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Ultimate Comfort: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Ever wonder if you can eat gourmet on a broke budget? Same. Here’s my hack for busy moms trying to feed picky kids or students stretching their last couple of dollars but still craving something warm and hearty. This creamy tomato basil pasta is here to save the day with all the rich flavors you dream about without breaking the bank. Plus, here’s the kicker: No oven needed! That’s right, you’ll whip this up using just your stovetop, making it a perfect fix when quick and delicious are your top priorities.
What Makes This Special
- No oven needed!
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- No fancy kitchen gear required
- Leftovers are even better the next day
- Easy to meal prep or double for later
Ingredients
- 12 oz. pasta of choice (penne or shells work great)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Gently stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer again. Adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the luscious sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if you like.
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Keeping It Real: Cooking on a Budget
- This pasta dish is not just for dinner—it’s your go-to for impressing friends or enjoying a solo gourmet night on the cheap.
- Combining side gigs with meal preps can transform your free afternoons into productivity powerhouses.
- Balancing work, side hustles, and meals is attainable with simple recipes like this one. Seriously, your future self will thank you.
