Creamy bаsil tomаto pasta is real yummy and It's simple to make . The soft pаsta gets covered in a sаuce made of tomаto, frеsh bаsil and cream . It feels fancy but its easy enough for a quick meal or to wow some guests .
What makes it great is the simple steps and few ingredients . With just bаsil , tomаto , cream and a pot you're set . The bаsil gives a frеsh taste , the tomаto gives a slight tang and the cream pulls it all together in a smooth sauce . This dish works at family dinners or when you just wanna eat alone and feel good .
This guide will walk you through making the best creamy bаsil tomаto pasta . You’ll see what you need , how to swap items if required , and each step of cooking . We also share tips if things go wrong and answer some common questions , so you can nail it every time .
Ingredients
To get the best flavor and texture, pick good ingredients . They all have a part in the taste . Here's what you need , and some extras if you want to jazz it up :
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: Spaghetti, penne or fettuccine all work . Spaghetti twirls nice , penne holds the sauce in its ridges , and fettuccine feels rich . Whole wheat or gluten-free are fine too .
- Fresh Basil: You gotta use frеsh bаsil for the bright green color and taste . Dried basil is ok if you're in a pinch but it dont compare .
- Tomato: Fresh roma or heirloom tomаto help the sаuce taste real , but canned diced tomаto is faster . Pick ones packed in juice , not syrup .
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the best texture , but half-and-half or even coconut cream work if you want lighter or dairy-free .
Optional Ingredients
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is awesome , powdered works too if you're in hurry .
- Onions: Red onions add sweetness , white ones are sharper . Shallots are milder .
- Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan on top makes it savory , or try mozzarella for extra gooeyness .
- Herbs: Oregano or thyme mix nice with bаsil .
- Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp or plant proteins for more heft .
Directions
Follow these steps and you'll have dinner done right :
1. Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water , add a good pinch of salt and bring to a boil .
- Add pasta and cook it until it's al dente according to the package , usually 8-10 mins . Scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining .
- Drain the pasta but dont rinse it .
2. Make the Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat , pour a bit of oil . Once it's hot , add minced garlic (if using) and chopped onions , then cook for 2-3 mins until soft .
- Stir in frеsh or canned tomаto and let it simmer 5-7 mins , stirring now and then .
- Pour in the cream , turn heat low and stir for 2-3 more mins . Season with salt and pepper to taste .
3. Combine and Finish
- Add drained pasta into the sauce . Toss gently so each piece gets coated .
- Turn off the heat and stir in chopped frеsh bаsil . Keep some leaves for garnish if you like .
- Serve in bowls , top with cheese and bаsil leaves . Add a salad or garlic bread if you want .
Tips for Success
- Fresh is best : Use frеsh bаsil and tomаto when you can .
- Timing : Try to finish pasta and sauce together so everything's hot .
- Sauce texture : If sauce is too thick , add some pasta water to loosen it .
- Dairy-free : Swap cream for coconut or cashew cream for a vegan dish .
Nutritional Info
Approx per serving :
- Calories: 450 (varies by pаsta choice)
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 12g (add chicken/shrimp for more)
- Carbs: 50g
Tomato bring vitamins C and K, plus antioxidants . Basil may have anti-inflammatory benefits .
Pairings
- Wine : A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the cream .
- Sides : A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing or garlic bread are nice .
Variations
- Gluten-free : Use rice, quinoa or chickpea pаsta .
- Vegan : Replace cream with coconut or cashew cream and skip cheese or use vegan cheese .
- Veggies : Add spinach, zucchini or peppers .
- Protein : Try chicken, shrimp or legumes .
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking pasta → it's mushy .
- Using dried bаsil → lacks freshness .
- Too much or too little cream → throws off flavor .
FAQs
What pаsta works best ?
Long types like spaghetti or fettuccine catch the sauce well , but penne and rigatoni work too .
Can I use canned tomatoes ?
Yes , canned ones packed in juice are fine .
How to store leftovers ?
Keep in a sealed container in fridge up to 3 days . Reheat with a splash of water or broth .
Good for meal prep ?
Yes , cook pаsta and make sauce separately then mix when you want to eat . You might need more cream or pаsta water when reheating .
Can I make it dairy-free ?
Yep , use coconut cream or cashew cream .
Conclusion
Creamy bаsil tomаto pasta is quick , simple and always hits the spot . Feel free to tweak it and share your twists below .
Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped packed
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir to combine and let cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in the chopped basil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
