Board of Nursing Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A rich, tomato-based pasta sauce with fresh basil that comes together in under 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Add drained penne pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens.
- Step 5: Serve immediately topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Board of Nursing Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Board of Nursing 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Board of Nursing 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 Board of Nursing 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 Board of Nursing 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
