Print

Tomato Basil Pasta with Crème Fraîche Sauce Recipe

This delightful Tomato Basil Pasta features a creamy Crème Fraîche sauce that perfectly complements the fresh tomatoes and basil. It’s a quick and easy dish that bursts with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) crème fraîche
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup (about 25 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Extra basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Set a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt and add the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and let it melt, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce the heat and stir in the crème fraîche and broth. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes until well combined and creamy.
  6. Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly to the sauce in the pan. Toss everything well so the pasta is coated with the sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Finally, add the chopped fresh basil and stir it in. Taste the pasta and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan and extra basil for garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Make sure to cook the pasta in plenty of salted water for better flavor absorption. Avoid overcooking the sauce to prevent the crème fraîche from curdling. Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.