Best-Rated Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A rich, velvety tomato pasta with fresh basil and garlic, ready in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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
- 4 cloves garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, 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 cup heavy cream, simmering gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, stirring until wilted.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the sauce, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a glossy emulsion. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Rated Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Best-Rated Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Best-Rated Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Best-Rated Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Best-Rated Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
