Mission Inn-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan
Tender pasta tossed in a luscious tomato basil sauce enriched with cream and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, cooking for another 2 minutes until warmed through and creamy.
- Step 5: Add drained penne to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve garnished with extra basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mission Inn-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan 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 Mission Inn-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan?
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 Mission Inn-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan?
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 Mission Inn-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan 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 Mission Inn-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan?
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.
