This Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is a beautiful dish that’s full of fresh flavors! It combines creamy sauce with juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, making it super tasty.
No need to stress over complicated steps, because this recipe is quick and fun. I love tossing it all together and watching my family devour it! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using pasta shells for this recipe because they hold the creamy sauce perfectly. You can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like penne or farfalle, if shells aren’t available.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes give a nice sweetness, but you can use any diced fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Heavy Cream: This adds a rich creaminess, but if you’re looking for lighter options, try half-and-half, coconut milk, or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, go for freshly grated Parmesan. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil makes a big impact with its aroma. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil works in a pinch, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy and Not Lumpy?
The key to a smooth, creamy sauce lies in how you integrate the ingredients. After cooking your garlic and tomatoes, be sure to slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This method ensures a silky texture.
- Keep the heat on medium to avoid boiling the cream.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt fully and blend in, creating a cohesive sauce.
- If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta shells (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes or diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes preparing the creamy sauce. It’s super quick and makes for a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and add your pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Tomatoes:
Next, toss the cherry or diced tomatoes into the skillet. Let them cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and release their juicy goodness into the mix.
4. Make It Creamy:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to blend the flavors. This step is where it becomes super creamy—so don’t rush it!
5. Add Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook the mixture until the sauce thickens slightly. Feel free to add more cheese if you want it even cheesier!
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it around so that each shell is coated in the creamy tomato sauce. This is where the magic happens!
7. Season and Serve:
Now, fold in the fresh basil leaves along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta immediately. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for that finishing touch!
Enjoy your rich and comforting creamy basil tomato pasta! It’s sure to become a favorite!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe works great with pasta shells, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you select.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat and ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut cream) and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Basil?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh basil isn’t available, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent. Start with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and adjust to taste, adding it when you incorporate the heavy cream for best flavor integration.
