Dive into the flavors of this creamy basil tomato pasta that's sure to impress! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich and satisfying dish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines the freshness of basil with the warmth of creamy tomato sauce. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your meal memorable!
12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommend for their excellent sauce-holding capabilities)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano for richer flavor
1 cup heavy cream, cold for better emulsification
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (reserve some whole leaves for garnish)
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
![To make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating rich flavors. Here’s the list: - 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) - 1 cup cold heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Sea salt and black pepper to taste - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) Each ingredient brings something special to the dish. The pasta is your base. I recommend fettuccine or penne. They hold the sauce well, making each bite creamy and rich. The extra virgin olive oil adds depth. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and flavor that fills your kitchen. Crushed tomatoes are essential. I highly suggest San Marzano for their sweet taste. The cold heavy cream creates that luxurious texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh basil brightens the dish and gives it a fresh taste. Don’t forget the sea salt and black pepper. These enhance the flavors. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add warmth if you like a little heat. This simple list of ingredients will bring you joy in every bite! For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous amount of salt. This step is key. It enhances the flavor of the pasta while it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Before draining, remember to reserve half a cup of that pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for your sauce. It helps to adjust the sauce's thickness later. In a spacious skillet, heat one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add three finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish with a bitter taste. Next, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. I recommend using San Marzano for a richer flavor. Stir the mixture briefly, then let it simmer gently for five minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and develop great flavors. Now it's time to make the sauce creamy. Reduce the heat to low and add one cup of cold heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream blends smoothly with the tomato sauce. Next, gradually add half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. Fold in half a cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Season your sauce with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes here. Finally, gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Ensure every strand is coated nicely. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve the pasta immediately. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds a beautiful touch to your dish. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy every delicious bite! How to prevent garlic from burning? To keep garlic from burning, cook it on medium heat. Stir it often and watch it closely. If garlic turns brown, it can taste bitter. A light golden color is best. Achieving the perfect consistency in the sauce? For a creamy sauce, add cold heavy cream slowly. Mix it well with tomatoes. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water. Just a little can help thin it out. Presentation tips for an elegant dish? Serve your pasta in shallow bowls for a fancy look. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top. Add a few whole basil leaves for color and flair. Recommended pairings (e.g., wine or bread)? Pair your creamy basil tomato pasta with garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish well. Both enhance the flavors and make your meal special. Adding fresh herbs or spices for more depth? Fresh herbs can boost flavor. Try adding parsley or oregano along with the basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick too. Alternatives to Parmesan cheese? If you need a cheese swap, try nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Crumbled feta or goat cheese can also add a different but tasty twist. {{image_4}} You can easily change the pasta type to fit your needs. For gluten-free options, use rice or quinoa pasta. These choices work well and taste great. You can also swap the cream for healthier alternatives. Try using cashew cream or coconut milk. These swaps still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories. If you want to add more taste, consider including extra vegetables. Spinach adds a nice color and nutrition. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy twist to the dish. Both options make the meal richer and more filling. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. These additions make your pasta a complete meal. They pair perfectly with the creamy sauce. To make the dish vegan or dairy-free, simply use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This keeps the creamy flavor while making it suitable for everyone. You can also adjust spice levels. If you prefer a mild dish, skip the red pepper flakes. For a kick, add more to suit your taste. Experimenting with these adjustments can lead to a perfect meal just for you. To store leftover creamy basil tomato pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. When you want to eat it, just reheat gently. You can freeze creamy basil tomato pasta too. To do this, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to help it come back to life. To avoid texture changes, don’t freeze it with extra sauce. Instead, keep some sauce separate if possible. When reheating, stir well to ensure even warmth. This way, your pasta stays creamy and delicious! You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Mix them together when you're ready to serve. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess. Heat gently on low heat until warm. This pasta pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A Caesar salad adds crunch and flavor. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. These options balance the rich pasta nicely. You can also serve it with a side of roasted veggies. Yes, you can use dried herbs. Fresh herbs have a bright flavor. Dried herbs are more concentrated. Use one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking to help release their flavors. To make this recipe allergy-friendly, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. If you have nut allergies, skip the nuts and stick to safe ingredients. Always check labels for hidden allergens. Fettuccine and penne are great choices. Fettuccine holds the sauce well with its flat shape. Penne has ridges that catch the sauce, making every bite flavorful. You can also use spaghetti for a classic feel. Choose any pasta you love! For the complete instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog offered a simple guide to making creamy basil tomato pasta. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and creative variations. I shared tips to enhance both flavor and presentation. You can now confidently explore swaps for dietary needs and storage tips for leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe to make it your own!](https://roastedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ba1fda5b-dd41-4d82-9b91-863d7a920518-300x300.webp)