Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is quick to prepare and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for busy days. The creamy tomato sauce is both rich and refreshing thanks to the basil, and it pairs beautifully with any type of pasta. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted with proteins or vegetables, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- olive oil
- garlic, minced
- onion, finely chopped
- canned crushed tomatoes
- tomato paste
- heavy cream
- fresh basil leaves
- salt
- black pepper
- grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic.
- Add tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and mix until smooth.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Stir in fresh basil and mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible, though the texture may slightly change due to the cream.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, just cook them longer to break down into a sauce.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit more tomato paste.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely, chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores and reheats well for a few days.
Can I freeze creamy tomato pasta?
You can, but the texture may change slightly when reheated.
What herbs can I use besides basil?
Oregano or thyme can work as alternatives.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too acidic?
Add a pinch of sugar or more cream to balance it.
Can I use pre-made pasta sauce?
Yes, but fresh ingredients will give the best flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with rich, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, this recipe is a reliable and delicious choice that you can easily customize to your liking.
PrintCreamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
A comforting pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce blended with cream and fresh basil for a smooth, flavorful finish. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream until smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat and adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in fresh basil and mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra protein.
- Include chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a splash of cream or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
