This Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a delicious and quick dinner option. With fresh tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fragrant basil, it’s pure comfort on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is great because its shape holds onto the sauce well. If you can’t find orecchiette, any favorite pasta like penne or rotini will work, too!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter, especially if you want a different taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder (1/4 tsp per clove) can work. I prefer using fresh, though!
Fresh Tomatoes: While Roma tomatoes are perfect for this recipe, cherry tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes can make a good substitute if fresh ones aren’t available.
Heavy Cream: You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream like coconut cream for a lighter or vegan option.
Fresh Basil: Basil brings an amazing aroma, but if you don’t have any, feel free to use dried basil— just use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated. I love to add extra fresh basil as a garnish for freshness!
How Do I Get a Creamy Sauce Without Clumps?
Ensuring your sauce is creamy without clumping can be tricky, but it’s manageable with a few simple steps. Here’s how you can achieve that smooth texture:
- Start by heating the garlic gently in oil before adding the tomatoes. This helps release its flavor without burning.
- Stir the heavy cream in well, letting it simmer for a few minutes before adding cheese. This gives it time to mingle and thicken nicely.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted. Avoid adding all at once to prevent clumping.
- If your sauce thickens too much, use the reserved pasta water gradually. It helps loosen and perfects the sauce consistency.
Following these tips will help you whip up a lovely creamy sauce each time! Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta – Quick & Easy Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh Roma tomatoes (about 4-5), chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and totally satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. When it’s ready, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later!
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Adding the Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to add your fresh chopped Roma tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to soften and release their delicious juices—this will be the base of your creamy sauce!
4. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up just a little.
5. Mixing in the Parmesan:
Time to make it cheesy! Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and mix it in until it melts completely and everything is creamy. If your sauce looks too thick, you can add some of that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it up!
6. Adding Fresh Basil and Seasoning:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Now, season your sauce with salt, pepper, and if you want a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until combined.
7. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add your cooked pasta to the skillet! Toss it gently until all the pasta is well coated in that yummy creamy tomato basil sauce.
8. Serving Up Deliciousness:
Serve your creamy basil tomato pasta hot! Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your quick and easy dinner!
This vibrant dish is perfect for any night of the week when you want something delicious and satisfying in under 30 minutes. Happy cooking! 🍝🌿
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for holding 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.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream), and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’ll still be delicious!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to add veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them along with the garlic or mix them in with the tomatoes!
