Easy and Delicious: Your Go-To Semi-Homemade Recipe for Busy Weeknights!

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Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that combine the ease of store-bought ingredients with a touch of homemade flair. Semi-homemade recipes are perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and some creative touches, you can transform basic items into a dish that feels gourmet.

Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a meal that tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Semi-homemade recipes are about balancing convenience with taste, using pre-made or store-bought components as a foundation, then adding your own fresh ingredients to elevate the dish. Whether you're cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for your family, these recipes can be a lifesaver.

One standout semi-homemade recipe is the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. This dish takes the classic comfort of pasta and adds a burst of freshness with a homemade twist. It's a perfect example of how semi-homemade cooking can turn simple ingredients into something truly special.

Recipe: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (24 oz) store-bought marinara sauce
• 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli works great)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the Marinara: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes rich and creamy.
5. Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Serve: Divide the creamy tomato basil pasta among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

The Finishing Touch

This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a perfect example of how you can create a mouthwatering meal with a few shortcuts and a handful of fresh ingredients. The jarred marinara sauce provides a convenient base, while the addition of heavy cream, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese gives it a homemade touch that’s both comforting and satisfying. It's quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, but delicious enough to impress guests at a weekend gathering.

Semi-homemade cooking is all about making life easier without sacrificing flavor. With this recipe in your arsenal, you'll always have a delicious dish ready to serve, no matter how busy your schedule is. So the next time you're looking for something quick, tasty, and comforting, remember this easy pasta dish. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something memorable.

Here are some great sources for the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe to help you recreate this delicious semi-homemade dish:

1. Salt & Lavender provides a detailed recipe that includes a blend of creamy sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, fresh basil, and tomatoes. This source highlights the steps to create a smooth sauce by reducing wine or broth before adding cream, making it a rich and flavorful meal. You can check out the full recipe and detailed instructions on their website here​(Salt & Lavender).
2. Modern Farmhouse Eats offers a quick and easy version of the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, emphasizing the ease of making the dish in just one pot (except for the pasta boiling). It includes optional ingredients like red pepper flakes to add some heat and suggests pairing the pasta with pan-seared chicken breasts for added protein. For more details, visit the recipe here​(Modern Farmhouse Eats).
3. Easy Family Recipes provides tips for making this pasta dish even more versatile. They offer variations such as adding spinach or chicken for different takes on the recipe. This source also discusses dietary modifications to make the dish gluten-free or vegetarian. For the complete recipe and variations, you can visit their site here​(Easy Family Recipes).

Feel free to explore these links for more detailed instructions and tips on making the perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. Enjoy cooking!