Foolproof Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta, such as penne or fusilli
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

   9:00 · Boil pasta
2. 2

   Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

3. 3

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a 6-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Soften onion
4. 4

   Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   0:30 · Cook garlic
5. 5

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.

   15:00 · Simmer sauce
6. 6

   Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and uniformly pink-orange.

   2:00 · Simmer with cream
7. 7

   Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce is too thick.

8. 8

   Remove from heat and stir in the torn basil and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

9. 9

   Divide among bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.