This creamy basil tomato pasta is a delightful meal that’s perfect for busy nights! It combines juicy tomatoes with fresh basil and creamy goodness for a dish you’ll love.
Honestly, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl! I like to whip it up in under 30 minutes—easy peasy—and serve it with a sprinkle of cheese for that extra yum factor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used orecchiette, which holds the sauce really well. If you don’t have it, any shape like penne, fusilli or spaghetti works too!
Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil is great for flavor. You can also use avocado oil if you need a higher smoke point or canola oil if that’s what you have.
Tomatoes: Fresh Roma tomatoes create the best flavor, but canned tomatoes are a swell standby. They’re super convenient and can still be delicious.
Heavy Cream: I love heavy cream for its richness, but you can swap it with half-and-half for a lighter option or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version!
Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and taste. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can work in a pinch, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How to Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Getting that garlic just right is key. Burning it will give a bitter taste, so here’s how to avoid that:
- Heat your skillet on medium, not high. If it’s too hot, garlic will burn quickly.
- Once the oil is hot, add garlic and stir immediately.
- Keep a close eye on it, and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned—remove from heat if it starts to color.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll have a delicious creamy basil tomato pasta in no time! Enjoy cooking!
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced (or use canned tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy basil tomato pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes! It’s quick and simple, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining it to use later, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Keep a close eye—garlic can burn quickly, so stir it gently!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to start breaking down and releasing their juices. After that, stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for another 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream. Mix it well, and let it create a creamy sauce we all love! It’s going to look so good!
5. Add Cheese and Basil:
Once the cream is integrated, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir until it’s melted and creamy. Toss in the fresh basil leaves—save a few for garnish—and season with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, add those red pepper flakes here!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure it’s well-coated in that delicious sauce. If it seems too thick, you can gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy basil tomato pasta is ready to serve! Dish it up warm, and don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for added goodness. Enjoy this delightful meal!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While I used orecchiette, you can swap it out for any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use dried basil instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh, as the dried version is more concentrated.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may vary slightly upon reheating.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
