Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful fusion of rich, velvety textures and fresh, vibrant flavors.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta combines juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a luscious cream sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.
Quick to prepare yet indulgent in taste, it’s a comforting dish that brings elegance and warmth to your table in every bite.
How To Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: About 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan (for the sauce)
- Sharp knife (for chopping tomatoes, basil, garlic)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Colander (to drain pasta)
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5–6 fresh tomatoes, peeled & chopped
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, set aside, and reserve a little pasta water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Make the Tomato Base
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, tomato ketchup, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and sugar (if using). Cook until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens.
4. Add Spice and Creaminess
Stir in red chili flakes (optional), followed by the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for a creamy texture.
5. Incorporate Pasta and Basil
Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Stir through the fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
6. Cheese and Seasoning
Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and toss well.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta warm, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, and enjoy a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness.
Nutrition Facts Of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Fiber: 3-5 g
- Sugar: 6-8 g
Which Goes Best With Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
❖ Garlic Bread: Pair the creamy pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
❖ Add a Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
❖ With Grilled: For a heartier dish, serve the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Tips & Variations
☑ Adjust the Spice: Add more chili flakes for heat or skip them for a milder flavor.
☑ Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.
☑ Enhance the Flavor: Roast the garlic and tomatoes before adding them for a deeper taste.
☑ Add More Herbs: Mix in oregano, thyme, or parsley along with fresh basil for extra aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well if fresh ones aren’t available.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free option like coconut cream.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli hold the sauce nicely.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great add-ins.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
Yes, but the cream may separate slightly; reheat with extra cream or milk.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that satisfies both comfort and flavor cravings.
Bursting with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a silky cream sauce, it’s perfect for any meal. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it’s a pasta recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan (for the sauce)
- Sharp knife (for chopping tomatoes, basil, garlic)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
- Colander (to drain pasta)
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 5 –6 fresh tomatoes peeled & chopped
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, balances acidity
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 handful fresh basil torn or chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, set aside, and reserve a little pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, tomato ketchup, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and sugar (if using). Cook until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in red chili flakes (optional), followed by the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for a creamy texture.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Stir through the fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
- Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and toss well.
- Plate the pasta warm, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, and enjoy a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.