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Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta is a quick, hearty, and flavorful comfort food that combines juicy beef, fresh basil, and a luscious tomato cream sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes canned
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
  • Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Pour in the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
  • Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the chopped fresh basil and mix well. Allow the sauce to warm through for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy tomato basil beef sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.
  • Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with a few whole basil leaves.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
  • Fresh basil is preferred for best flavor; dried basil can be used if added earlier in cooking.
  • Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.