Half-Measure Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta

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

A quick and comforting pasta dish using half a cup of tomato sauce combined with cream and fresh basil for a luscious finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ cup heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 oz penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in ½ cup tomato sauce and ½ cup heavy cream, simmering gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  4. Step 4: Add 10 chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet along with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta and is silky.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Measure Creamy Tomato and 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 Half-Measure Creamy Tomato and 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 Half-Measure Creamy Tomato and 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-Measure Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Half-Measure Creamy Tomato and 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.

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