This Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a treat! With fresh tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fragrant basil, it’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Making this dish is so simple! I love how quickly it comes together—just cook the pasta, mix in the sauce, and you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using orecchiette for its shape that holds sauce beautifully. You can switch it up with penne or fusilli if you prefer. Both work great and cook well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, though fresh gives a much better taste!
Roma Tomatoes: Fresh Roma tomatoes are perfect for this recipe because they are less watery. If they aren’t available, try canned diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes as alternatives.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or coconut milk can work, but the flavor and creaminess will be different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated will always taste better than pre-grated! If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
Fresh Basil: Nothing compares to fresh basil in this dish! If you don’t have any, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon as it’s more potent.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The sauce is the heart of this dish, so you’ll want it to be smooth and flavorful. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start by sautéing the garlic until fragrant; don’t let it brown, or it will become bitter.
- Let the diced tomatoes cook down for 5-7 minutes; this allows their juices to release and creates a natural base for your sauce.
- Add the heavy cream slowly, stirring continuously to mix everything well. This helps thicken the sauce.
- As you add the Parmesan, stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated for a creamy texture.
- Finally, toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, allowing the warm pasta to absorb some flavors.
Don’t forget, if the sauce is too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette pasta (or your choice of short pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra whole leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this delicious pasta takes about 20 minutes in total, including cooking the pasta and preparing the creamy sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the orecchiette pasta (or your preferred short pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When it’s done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until it’s fragrant but not browned. Browning the garlic can give it a bitter taste, so watch it closely!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the diced Roma tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to soften and release their juices, creating a lovely base for your sauce.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Once the tomatoes are nicely softened, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together well, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly in the creamy tomato sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve! Dish out the creamy basil tomato pasta into bowls, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
Bon appétit! 🍝
FAQ for Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works beautifully, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to help the sauce regain its creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian, you’re good to go since the recipe is already meat-free! For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
