Congress Park Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple yet elegant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, finished with a hint of cream for a Denver-inspired comfort meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs pasta, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 pasta
- 1.5 lbs heirloom tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, core tomatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Mince garlic and finely chop 1/4 cup basil. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add tomatoes to skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and reduce to a thick sauce. Stir in remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 2 more minutes until sauce is vibrant and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet with sauce, tossing well to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and cook for 2 minutes until cream is warmed through and sauce coats pasta. Add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Congress Park Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Congress Park 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Congress Park 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 Congress Park 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 Congress Park 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
