Five-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Quick and satisfying pasta tossed in a smooth tomato and basil sauce made with just five simple ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, heavy cream 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 can (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 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. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, pour 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes into a large skillet over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, cooking for 2 more minutes until the sauce is creamy and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Serve immediately garnished with extra basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Ingredient 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 Five-Ingredient 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient 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 Five-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta 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.
Is Five-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
