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Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich cream, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this dish is both comforting and elegant.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 colander
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta Such as penne or fettuccine.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 ounces.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • to taste null salt
  • to taste null black pepper
  • optional null grated Parmesan cheese For serving.

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Add the chopped basil to the sauce, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the creamy tomato basil sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned, about 2 cups of diced tomatoes should suffice.
For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.