Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A quick and satisfying pasta dish with a creamy tomato basil sauce, perfect for a smaller meal or light dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced 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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Tomato 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 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 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.
