Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and comforting pasta dish using half a cup of tomato sauce combined with cream and fresh basil for a luscious finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ cup heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 oz penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in ½ cup tomato sauce and ½ cup heavy cream, simmering gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  4. Step 4: Add 10 chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet along with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta and is silky.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Tomato and 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 Creamy Tomato and 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 Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Tomato and 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.

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