Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-27 · Updated 2026-05-27

A quick and satisfying pasta dish with a creamy tomato basil sauce, perfect for a smaller meal or light dinner. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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

• 4 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 4 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Lower heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce coats the spaghetti evenly.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently and serve warm.