![- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The pasta gives the dish its base. Olive oil adds richness, while garlic brings out the flavor. The crushed tomatoes are the heart of the sauce. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh basil and oregano create an amazing aroma. Finally, red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat if you like spice. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the detailed cooking steps. This dish is not just easy; it’s packed with flavor and freshness! To start, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt to make it tasty. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fusilli or penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside. In the same pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz). Bring this mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes to build flavor. Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream into the sauce. This will make it rich and creamy. Add in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Mix everything well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the drained pasta back into the pot. Toss it with the sauce until well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Now, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the sauce even creamier. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You are now ready to enjoy this creamy tomato basil pasta! For a full recipe and more tips, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the right sauce thickness, save some pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta. Adding it helps create a creamy texture. If the sauce seems too thick, just stir in a bit of that reserved water until you like it. Simmering the sauce is key for flavor. After adding tomatoes and cream, let it bubble gently. This helps the flavors mix well. Aim for a simmer of about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the herbs and let it simmer for a couple more minutes. This makes the sauce rich and tasty. When seasoning, use salt and spices wisely. A pinch of salt goes a long way. Start with a small amount, then taste. Add more if needed. This helps you control the flavor and avoid making it too salty. You can also add toppings to boost taste. Fresh basil leaves on top add a nice touch. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a salty, creamy finish. For heat, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes. This adds a warm kick to the dish. Presentation matters! Serve the creamy tomato basil pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look nice and inviting. Top each bowl with more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and flair. Consider pairing this pasta with sides. Garlic bread is a great option. It complements the pasta well. A simple green salad can add freshness. The crispness of the salad balances the creamy pasta nicely. {{image_2}} You can make creamy tomato basil pasta even better with some protein. Adding chicken or shrimp gives the dish a hearty touch. For chicken, grill or sauté it first, then mix it in with the pasta. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it to the sauce just a few minutes before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider mushrooms. Sauté some sliced mushrooms in olive oil until brown, then add them to the sauce. They add a tasty, meaty texture without using meat. Want to boost the nutrition and flavor? Adding veggies is a great way to do this! Spinach is a good choice. Just toss in some fresh spinach leaves when you add the sauce. It wilts quickly and adds color. Bell peppers also work well. Chop them up and add them to the pot after the garlic. Let them cook for a bit before adding the tomatoes. This will make a garden-style pasta dish that is both tasty and healthy. Changing the sauce can make your creamy tomato basil pasta unique. Different types of tomatoes can change the flavor. Try using diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for more depth. Each type brings its own twist to the dish. If you want to go dairy-free, there are options too! Using cashew cream or coconut milk can create a rich, creamy sauce without dairy. Just blend soaked cashews with water to make a smooth cream. It’s a great alternative that keeps the dish creamy and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover creamy tomato basil pasta, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and prevents it from drying out. You can enjoy it for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. To freeze creamy tomato basil pasta, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Stir gently until heated through. Enjoy your meal just as good as the first time! To make creamy tomato basil pasta vegetarian, you can simply omit any meat. Use the same ingredients for the sauce. If you want to add protein, try using mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas instead. These options blend well with the creamy sauce. You can also enhance the dish with more veggies like spinach or zucchini. This way, you keep the meal hearty and full of flavor. Yes, you can use dried basil instead of fresh. Dried basil has a stronger flavor, so use about one teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh basil. Add it to the sauce early in the cooking process to allow it to release its flavors. While fresh basil gives a bright taste, dried basil is a great backup. Just remember, the flavor will be different, but still tasty! The best types of pasta for creamy tomato basil pasta are fusilli or penne. Fusilli’s twists hold onto the sauce well. Penne has ridges that also grab the sauce nicely. Both shapes work great with creamy sauces. You can even use shells or farfalle if you like. The goal is to choose a pasta that will soak up the flavors well. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta section. This blog post covered how to make creamy tomato basil pasta, starting with key ingredients. We explored the cooking process, tips for the best sauce, and how to enhance flavors. We also looked at variations for proteins and veggies, plus storage tips for leftovers. In closing, this dish is versatile and easy to tweak. You can create many flavors while keeping it simple. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b536084e-6d8d-42fa-a9ce-97ffb79d18ed-250x250.webp)
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Savor the deliciousness of creamy tomato basil pasta with this easy recipe! Combining vibrant tomatoes, fresh basil, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and under 30 minutes to make, it's a family favorite. Click through to uncover the full recipe and presentation tips that will impress your guests and elevate your dinner table! Don't miss out on this flavorful experience!