This Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With fresh tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fragrant basil, it’s quick to make and oh-so-satisfying!
I love how this dish comes together in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights, and let’s be real, who can resist the combo of creamy pasta and fresh herbs? Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pasta shells for this recipe. They hold the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have shells, any small pasta like rotini or penne works great too. Gluten-free pasta can be swapped in for a gluten-free version.
Fresh Tomatoes: In-season tomatoes give the best flavor, but canned diced tomatoes can serve in a pinch. For a twist, try cherry tomatoes – just halved, they add a burst of sweetness!
Heavy Cream: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Just note that the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a cashew cream would be fantastic alternatives!
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a good swap for a vegan diet if you want to avoid dairy.
Basil: Fresh basil is best here, but you can use dried basil if fresh isn’t available. Just use about a teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta to the perfect texture, or “al dente,” is key for this dish. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start with a large pot of boiling, salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta.
- Follow the package instructions for timing, but check for doneness a minute or two early.
- To test, bite into a piece; it should be firm yet tender. Drain it right away to stop the cooking process.
Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when you mix it with the hot sauce, so it’s okay if it’s just a bit undercooked when you drain it!
Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta shells (or any small pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes in total—5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and so comforting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once they’re done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, or it may turn bitter.
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the diced tomatoes to your skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften up and release their juices.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce will begin to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta shells right into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the luscious creamy tomato sauce.
7. Fold in the Basil:
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil. It adds a vibrant flavor that’s hard to resist!
8. Season & Serve:
Give the pasta a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve your creamy basil tomato pasta immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting basil tomato pasta! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells are perfect for this dish, you can substitute any small pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just keep the cooking time in mind as it may vary slightly with different shapes.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! You can use dried basil instead. Use about a teaspoon of dried basil for this recipe, but add it earlier when cooking the tomatoes to allow the flavors to meld. Fresh basil will provide the best flavor, so use it if you can!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or a bit of water to loosen the sauce, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, use nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor without dairy!
