Authentic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil
A velvety pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with a luxurious cream sauce that coats every strand perfectly. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup fresh basil (reserve 2 tbsp for garnish), simmering for 10 minutes until thickened and aromatic.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to every strand. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Divide into bowls, top with reserved 2 tbsp fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
