![For a great Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta, you need some key items: - 12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne works well) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that clings to your pasta perfectly. I love using fettuccine for its wide shape, but penne also holds the sauce well. You can make this dish your own by adding some optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Extra basil for garnish - More Parmesan cheese for flavor If you like a little spice, red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Extra basil and Parmesan on top make the dish look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Use enough water to cover the pasta. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 12 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. After cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great, but don’t let it burn! Now, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce a bit. Lower the heat, then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese next. Mix until it melts into the sauce. Finally, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well so the pasta is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help you reach the desired consistency. Stir until the pasta looks creamy and delicious. Serve immediately, and feel free to garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To make your creamy basil tomato pasta shine, start with fresh basil. Look for vibrant green leaves without brown spots. Fresh basil has a sweet, peppery taste that makes this dish pop. You can also try using Thai basil for a unique twist. For extra flavor, consider adding: - A pinch of sugar to balance acidity. - Italian seasoning for a herby boost. - Lemon zest for brightness. - A dash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Avoid overcooking your pasta. Cook it just until it’s al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Taste it a minute before the package time ends. To keep your sauce from burning, stir it often. Lower the heat if it starts bubbling too much. Add a splash of pasta water if it gets too thick. This keeps it creamy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta nicely. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta easily. If you like chicken, try diced, cooked chicken. It adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. Just cook the chicken in the skillet before adding garlic. Shrimp is another great option. Sauté shrimp until pink, then mix with the sauce. For a vegetarian twist, use tofu or chickpeas. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Cube it and pan-fry until golden. Chickpeas add a nice texture. Just drain and rinse them, then stir into the sauce. Both choices make this pasta dish hearty. Adding veggies boosts the nutrition of your dish. Spinach is perfect for this pasta. It wilts quickly, so add it just before serving. Bell peppers add color and sweetness. Slice them thin and sauté with garlic. Feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or peas work well too. Just chop them up and toss them into the sauce. This adds flavor and makes your meal more vibrant. You can mix and match to suit your taste. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for details! To store your creamy basil tomato pasta, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This prevents the pasta from drying out. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating pasta, keep it moist. You can use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place pasta in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover it loosely, then heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, add pasta to a pan with a bit of water or sauce. Heat on low, stirring gently. This way, you keep the creamy texture. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the sauce. Enjoy your leftovers just like the first time! To make this dish vegan, you can swap out the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. For a cheese substitute, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan style cheese. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. Yes, you can freeze this pasta. To do this, cool the dish completely. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess. A light red wine like Pinot Noir works well with the creamy sauce. It won’t overpower the flavors. If you prefer white wine, choose a Sauvignon Blanc. Its crispness matches the freshness of the basil and tomatoes. Enjoy your meal with a glass that complements your dish. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. This post covered how to make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta from scratch. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. I shared ways to enhance flavor and offered protein and vegetable options for variety. Storing and reheating tips help you enjoy leftovers. Incorporating these ideas will make your pasta dish shine. Get creative with flavors and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ba1fda5b-dd41-4d82-9b91-863d7a920518-300x300.webp)
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Indulge in this creamy basil tomato pasta that's perfect for any night of the week! With rich flavors from crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil, this dish is sure to impress. It's easy to make and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions for creating this delicious meal that your family will love!