Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A comforting pasta dish that balances tangy tomato sauce with smooth cream, using half tomato puree and half heavy cream for a luscious finish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and combined.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another minute.
- Step 6: Toss the drained spaghetti into the sauce along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Step 7: Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, balanced finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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.
