7 Ways to Perfect Italian Pasta with Basil Garnish
Discover 7 expert tips to master Italian pasta from salting pasta water to tossing with basil at the end ensuring restaurant‑level flavor and basil freshness.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for pasta)
- 1 medium saucepan (for sauce)
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Colander or pasta strainer
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Serving bowls or plates
- Cheese grater (optional)
Ingredients
- 400 g quality pasta any shape you like
- 800 g canned tomatoes or 1kg fresh
- 5 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 100 ml good quality olive oil
- 1 tsp salt plus more for pasta water
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 big bunch fresh basil about 30-40 leaves
- Handful of salt for pasta water
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 200 ml heavy cream optional, for creamy version
- 1 tbsp sugar optional, if tomatoes are too acidic
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- 1. Fill large pot with water three-quarters full. Add generous handful of salt. Bring to boil over high heat.
- 2. While water heats, pour olive oil into medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (don't let it brown).
- 3. Add canned or fresh tomatoes to the pan. Add salt and black pepper. Stir well. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sauce should thicken and cook down.
- 4. Add pasta to boiling water. Stir so noodles don't stick. Cook until al dente, following package directions but taste to check. Usually 8-12 minutes.
- 5. If making creamy version, add 200ml heavy cream to sauce now and let cook 2-3 minutes. Stir well to combine.
- 6. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning. Add more salt if needed. Add pinch of sugar if too acidic. Add red pepper flakes if you want heat.
- 7. Before draining pasta, save 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and add to sauce.
- 8. Toss pasta and sauce together so every strand gets coated. Add pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
- 9. Tear fresh basil leaves (don't chop) and add to pasta. Toss gently. Add grated Parmesan if desired.
- 10. Serve immediately in bowls while hot. Top with extra fresh basil leaves. Add more Parmesan if you like.