Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a comforting and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, this pasta is satisfying, versatile, and easy to prepare.
Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Overview
- Pasta: Use any shape you like; penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work wonderfully.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes create the base of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Adds a rich, velvety texture.
- Basil: Fresh basil provides a burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the sauce with savory, aromatic notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty depth.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 2 cups fresh, diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. - Sauté the garlic:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. - Add the tomatoes:
Stir in the crushed or diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Make it creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. - Incorporate the basil:
Stir in the chopped basil and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine with pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. - Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Expert Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but long pasta like fettuccine creates a silky, elegant dish.
- Adjust consistency: Use reserved pasta water to make the sauce thinner or simmer longer to thicken it.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a tangy kick.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. For a thicker texture, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with the milk before adding it to the skillet.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
Dried basil works in a pinch, but use only 1 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Storing & Reheating
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian protein: Add sautéed mushrooms or canned chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Vegan option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Additional veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a comforting and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, this pasta is satisfying, versatile, and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- - Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- - Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- - 12 oz pasta of your choice
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes or 2 cups fresh, diced tomatoes
- - 1/2 cup heavy cream
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- **Cook the pasta**:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- **Sauté the garlic**:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- **Add the tomatoes**:
- Stir in the crushed or diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- **Make it creamy**:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
- **Incorporate the basil**:
- Stir in the chopped basil and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- **Combine with pasta**:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- **Serve**:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
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