This creamy basil tomato pasta is a comforting dish full of flavor! It combines rich tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy goodness that makes every bite delightful.
Trust me, it’s so satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—perfect for a cozy dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta is perfect as its shape helps hold the sauce well. You can swap it for other short pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle if needed. Use what you have on hand!
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a lovely flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or butter if you’re looking for a different taste or dietary needs.
Tomatoes: Fresh Roma tomatoes are great, but canned crushed tomatoes are just as good and save time. You can also use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream—for a fun twist!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds brightness, but if you don’t have it, dried basil works in a pinch. Just use about 1 tsp of dried for a similar flavor.
How Do I Get a Thick and Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce has some tricks to it! It’s all about combining the ingredients properly. When you add the cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from boiling and curdling.
- After you mix in the cream and cheese, give it a minute or two to thicken. If it gets too thick, simply add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Make sure to stir gently as you mix the pasta with the sauce, so each piece is coated without breaking apart.
How to Make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette pasta (or any short pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped (or 1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus some whole for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy basil tomato pasta takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and sauce, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain it. This starchy water will help your sauce later!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and fragrant. You want that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them in and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes break down and create a lovely sauce. Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook gently for about 2-3 minutes, just until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if you find the sauce too thick. You want every piece of pasta coated in that creamy goodness!
6. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Finally, stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Mix until everything is combined and the basil is slightly wilted. The cooked basil will lend a fresh flavor to your dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy basil tomato pasta warm. Garnish with some whole basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if you wish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
And there you have it—a delightful creamy basil tomato pasta that’s sure to impress! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works great, you can substitute it with any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose whatever you have on hand for a quick meal!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in a plant-based cream like coconut cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for fewer calories.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce when reheating to bring it back to life!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
