Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil

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

Velvety tomato pasta sauce made from scratch in under 20 minutes, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan for a light yet satisfying weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Olive oil, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil (add 1 tbsp salt). Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt, simmering 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted. Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously until sauce coats pasta and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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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