Soulful Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan

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

A comforting Italian-style pasta dish featuring al dente penne enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato and fresh basil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and hot.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce coats the pasta luxuriously.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soulful 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 Soulful 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 Soulful 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 Soulful 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.

Is Soulful Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan 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.

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