This creamy basil tomato pasta is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for busy nights! With fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of cream, it’s both simple and delightful.
You can’t go wrong with pasta and a creamy sauce, right? I love twirling those noodles on my fork, and you might find yourself doing the same! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used pasta shells, which are great for holding onto the sauce. You can swap them for any pasta shape you have on hand, like fusilli, penne, or spaghetti—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a lovely flavor, but you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Whole canned tomatoes crushed by hand work well too!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for lighter options, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
How Do You Make Sure the Garlic Stays Perfectly Cooked?
Garlic can easily go from fragrant to burnt in seconds, so it’s essential to cook it just right. Here’s how to do that:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat; adding garlic too early can easily burn it.
- When the oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic and stir immediately. Keep an eye on it and stir continuously.
- Cook for only about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. If it starts to brown, reduce the heat!
This technique will keep the garlic smooth without bitter flavors, resulting in a deliciously balanced dish. Happy cooking!
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta (Easy & Delicious)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces pasta shells or your favorite shape
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious pasta dish takes about 25 minutes total; about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions to cook it until it’s al dente—this means it’s cooked but still has a little “bite” to it. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to become fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Add Tomatoes:
Next, toss the chopped tomatoes into the skillet. Cook these for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to soften up a bit and start to release their juices, which will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
4. Mix in the Cream:
Now pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will thicken your sauce slightly and make it creamy and rich.
5. Season and Add Basil:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Season everything with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens—so many flavors in one dish!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Take your cooked pasta shells and add them to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the luxurious creamy sauce. This helps the pasta soak up all the deliciousness!
7. Finish Cooking:
Cook the pasta and sauce together for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to warm through nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this delightful creamy basil tomato pasta straight from the skillet! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for that finishing touch.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting basil tomato pasta fresh off the stove! It’s sure to be a favorite!
FAQ for Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells are great for holding sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for perfect doneness.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Just be mindful that using non-dairy substitutes may change the texture slightly. For a rich and creamy texture, stick to heavy cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply keep it as is. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a vegan cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
