One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Parmesan

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

Tender penne pasta cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil and finished with Parmesan for a comforting, creamy dish. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves 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
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, and add 12 oz penne pasta. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 2 more minutes until creamy.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce coats the pasta evenly. Serve immediately.