This creamy basil tomato pasta is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any night! The rich, flavorful sauce blends tomatoes and fresh basil for a cozy feel.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up. Just boil the pasta, stir the sauce, and you’re ready to eat. Plus, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Pasta shells work nicely for this dish, but feel free to use your favorite types like rotini, penne, or fettuccine. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent alternatives if you’re watching your carbs.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is best for flavor, but if you’re out, any light oil like canola or sunflower will work. I personally love the richness that good olive oil brings to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a great taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a substitute, using about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove.
Diced Tomatoes: Use any canned tomatoes you like! Fire-roasted tomatoes can add even more flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use roughly 2 cups, chopped.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be good alternatives. But I must say, heavy cream really gives it that delicious richness.
Basil: Fresh basil is essential, but if you’re out, dried basil can work in a pinch—just use about 1 tablespoon instead of 1 cup. Fresh basil makes a big difference in taste and aroma!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic is easy, but burning it is a common mistake! Follow these steps for better results:
- Start with a pre-heated skillet on medium heat, adding olive oil first.
- Add minced garlic after the oil shimmers, then sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir often and watch closely.
- As soon as the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden, it’s done! Remove from heat if necessary.
Remember, burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin your dish. It’s worth the extra attention!
How to Make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta shells (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll be cooking the pasta, making the creamy sauce, and mixing it all together in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save some pasta water, just in case you need to thin the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. This will bring out the wonderful flavor of the garlic!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Stir in the Cream:
Lower the heat a bit and then stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will become creamy and delicious during this step.
5. Mix in the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the sauce! Toss in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything together. Don’t forget to season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
6. Let it Cook Together:
Cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes. This lets the pasta soak up the creamy sauce just right. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if you’d like. Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pasta shells for any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for whatever pasta type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and milk. This will reduce the calorie count while still keeping a creamy texture. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra cream to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
