This creamy basil tomato pasta is fast and full of flavor! It mixes fresh tomatoes, basil, and a luscious cream sauce, making every bite comforting and delicious.
I love how quick this dish is to whip up for a weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for those days when you want tasty pasta without a lot of fuss. 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is my go-to for this dish because its shape holds the sauce nicely. However, you can use other pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Tomatoes: Ripe Roma tomatoes are perfect for this recipe as they are meaty and flavorful. If they’re out of season, cherry tomatoes work well too. For a quick alternative, canned diced tomatoes can also be used.
Heavy Cream: This creates a rich sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. Remember, the sauce will be less creamy but still delicious!
Basil: Fresh basil really brings this dish to life! If you can’t find fresh basil, a teaspoon of dried basil can be used, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled over the finished dish instead for a similar taste.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta is Perfectly Coated in Sauce?
The key to a well-coated pasta is in the tossing technique! After draining the pasta, make sure to reserve some of the pasta water. This starchy water is magical for binding the sauce to the pasta. Here’s how to do it:
- First, add the pasta directly into the sauce in the skillet. It’s important to do this while the sauce is still warm.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sauce using tongs or a large spoon. You want to make sure every piece gets coated.
- If the sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water by the tablespoon until you reach your desired creaminess.
Remember, take your time with the tossing! This helps the sauce cling better and makes for a more flavorful dish.
How to Make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) orecchiette pasta (or pasta of choice)
For The Sauce:
- 3-4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped (or use cherry tomatoes halved)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. That’s quick for a delicious, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce later if needed!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While your pasta is boiling, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it brown!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the chopped tomatoes. Stir them around and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to soften up and start breaking down into a nice sauce.
4. Creamy Goodness:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and mix it in with the tomatoes. Let the mixture warm for about 3 minutes until it begins to thicken just a little.
5. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Stir in the chopped basil and half of your grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy tomato mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely!
6. Season the Sauce:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce is just right, add your drained pasta right to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta is coated in that beautiful creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the consistency you want.
8. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and transfer your delicious pasta to serving bowls. Top each bowl with fresh whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
9. Enjoy:
Dig into your quick and easy creamy basil tomato pasta right away! It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread.
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for capturing the sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover creamy basil tomato pasta can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian as is! To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream option, and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
