This Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a delightful mix of delicious tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy sauce that makes every bite special. It’s quick to whip up, too!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make a restaurant-worthy dish at home. Just cook the pasta, mix in the sauce, and voila! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when friends drop by!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pasta shells for this dish because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can switch to any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add a sweet flavor, but if they’re not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind the sauce may be less rich, but still tasty.
Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works nicely as an alternative. Just remember, it’s saltier, so adjust the salt in your dish accordingly.
Basil: Fresh basil brings brightness to this recipe, but if you’re out of it, dried basil can serve in a pinch. Use about a teaspoon and add it earlier while cooking.
How Can I Ensure the Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a smooth, creamy sauce is to manage the heat and timing well. Here’s how:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat, and then immediately add the minced garlic. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- When you add the cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, avoiding boiling. This keeps the cream from curdling.
- Stir in the grated cheese off the heat or on very low heat to maintain creaminess, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Following these tips will give you a wonderfully creamy sauce every time!
Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta shells or your preferred pasta shape
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (or diced fresh tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta dish takes about 20 minutes in total — around 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial for flavor! Add your pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the quartered cherry tomatoes and cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and release their juices, which will be the base of your creamy sauce.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the tomatoes and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This creates the luscious sauce you’ll love!
5. Mix in the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, melting it into the sauce to create a creamy connection. Mix well until everything is combined perfectly.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered in that delicious sauce!
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Next, stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves. They add a wonderful flavor and a pop of color. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing everything well.
8. Serve Aplenty:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your creamy pasta immediately. Don’t forget to top it with extra Parmesan cheese if you’d like. It adds an extra touch of richness!
Enjoy the harmony of creamy goodness with fresh basil and tomatoes in every bite! This pasta will surely become a favorite in your home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work great in this recipe, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, like penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if desired!
What Should I Do if I Have Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them briefly along with the garlic before adding the tomatoes to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
