Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Peas
Velvety pasta tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and sweet peas in a light garlic-infused cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, packed fresh basil, diced ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil
- 2 cups, diced ripe tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp 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, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes and 1 cup fresh peas, cooking for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften. Add 1/4 cup packed fresh basil, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, simmering gently for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats every strand and forms a creamy emulsion.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Peas 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 Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Peas?
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 Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Peas?
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 Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Peas 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 Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Peas?
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.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
