Silky Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe: Effortless Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy tomato basil pasta delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Silky sauce coats every strand of pasta with rich, vibrant flavors.

Ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly with fragrant basil leaves, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Fresh herbs and smooth cream elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

One bite transports you to an Italian kitchen, where simplicity meets deliciousness.

The recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Dive into this irresistible pasta and let its bold, creamy embrace satisfy your deepest hunger.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for the dish, choose a shape that catches sauce well like penne or fusilli.

• Butter, Flour: Create a silky roux that thickens and enriches the sauce with a luxurious texture.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Broth: Introduces layers of savory depth and helps develop the sauce's complexity.
• Cream: Delivers a velvety smoothness and rounds out the sauce's taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herb notes.

• Tomatoes: Brings fresh, bright acidity and vibrant color to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty dimension that intensifies the dish's richness.
• Basil Leaves: Introduces a fresh, aromatic herb element that complements the creamy sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and heightens all the existing flavors in the dish.

Tools for a Silky Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Skillet: Medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pan perfect for creating creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending sauce ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping tomatoes and basil leaves.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Help accurately portion ingredients.

Cooking Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Made Simple

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with salt and cook pasta until perfectly tender.

• Sauce Base Creation

Melt butter in a skillet, creating a golden foundation for the sauce.

• Flavor Building

Add garlic and broth, letting the liquid transform and concentrate with rich flavors.

• Creamy Transformation

Blend cream and seasonings into a silky, smooth sauce that hugs each pasta curve.

• Tomato and Herb Magic

Fold chopped tomatoes and fresh basil into the sauce, allowing ingredients to mingle and dance.

• Cheese Finale

Stir in parmesan, creating a luxurious coating that makes the dish irresistibly decadent.

• Pasta and Sauce Union

Combine cooked pasta with the vibrant sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully dressed.

• Serving Perfection

Plate immediately, sprinkled with extra parmesan for a delightful finishing touch.

Sauce Tips for Richer Tomato Basil Pasta

• Swap parmesan for pecorino romano or mix different cheeses like mozzarella and asiago for a richer flavor profile.
• Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this pasta into a hearty main course.
• Fold in roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or zucchini ribbons to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or drizzle chili oil for a subtle kick of heat and complexity.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a vegan-friendly version.

Plate Up Creamy Pasta Like a Pro

• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top and watch it melt into the creamy sauce, creating a luxurious texture that cheese enthusiasts will adore.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Scatter additional fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a burst of bright green color and enhance the aromatic herb flavor of the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this pasta into a more substantial meal that satisfies hungry appetites and provides extra protein.
• Crispy Bread Companion: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious creamy tomato sauce and complete the dining experience.

Keep Leftover Tomato Basil Pasta Just Right

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Smart Portion Planning: Prepare extra for quick weekday lunches. Divide into individual meal-prep containers for grab-and-go convenience during busy work weeks.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze sauce separately from pasta to maintain optimal texture. Keep sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Fresh Ingredient Tip: Chop extra basil and store in olive oil in a sealed jar. This herbal oil adds instant flavor to future pasta dishes and prevents herb waste.

Silky Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade creamy tomato basil pasta delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Fresh ingredients combine for a delightful meal you can savor quickly and easily.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) pasta
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
• ½ cup fresh basil, torn (or more to taste)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tbsp flour
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsps butter

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Generously salt a large pot of water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, maintaining a slight firmness.
2. Sauce Foundation: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until it develops a golden, nutty aroma. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour notes.
3. Flavor Building: Introduce minced garlic to the roux, allowing its fragrance to bloom. Pour in broth and let it reduce by half, concentrating the savory essence.
4. Sauce Transformation: Blend cream, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning into the reduced liquid, whisking until achieving a luxurious, uniform texture. Fold in chopped tomatoes, simmering to marry the flavors.
5. Final Touches: Remove from heat and incorporate parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper, balancing the sauce’s profile.
6. Pasta Fusion: Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid. Gently combine pasta with the sauce, using reserved water to perfect the consistency if needed.
7. Serving: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional grated parmesan to elevate the dish’s richness and presentation.

Notes

• Boost Pasta Texture: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly and adjust consistency smoothly.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk roux continuously and cook for exactly one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and ensure silky smoothness.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Use freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves for more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain medium-high heat when cooking sauce to prevent burning while developing rich, complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg