Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil

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

Pasta tossed in a smooth tomato cream sauce balanced with fresh basil, capturing the essence of three-quarters ratio in a comforting Italian dish. This italian-inspired summer cookout ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 8 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat and stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 2 minutes more until sauce is creamy and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top, stirring until melted and combined before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?

Italian summer cookout 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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