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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of luscious cream, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all tossed with tender pasta to create something both cozy and bright. Whether you’re cooking a comforting weeknight dinner or entertaining friends with something special and simple, this recipe balances rich and fresh flavors perfectly. Every bite is silky, cheesy, and herbaceous, making it an instant favorite that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the buttery roux to the fresh basil’s brightness, every item plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so captivating.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Pick your favorite shape—penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work wonderfully, as they hold the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich, silky base for the sauce and helps create that smooth roux.
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: The secret to thickening the sauce just right without it becoming heavy.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Packs an aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish effortlessly.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth: Adds depth and a slight tang that balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: For that velvety texture that turns simple pasta into an indulgent treat.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): A subtle tang that sharpens the flavor profile without overpowering it.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a hint of classic herb notes that marry the tomatoes and basil beautifully.
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped): Fresh, juicy, and slightly sweet, they brighten the sauce and add lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami and melts into the sauce creating a perfect creamy bite.
- 1/2 cup basil (tear it up): The fresh herb finish that brings fragrance and an unmistakable freshness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in harmony.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by boiling a generously salted pot of water, then cook the pasta according to package directions until it is just al dente. The slight firmness will hold up perfectly when tossed with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
When the pasta is about 10 minutes from being done, heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until it melts. Sprinkle in the flour and cook it for about a minute, stirring frequently to form a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce without any lumps.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Deglaze
Stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine or broth and let it simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, concentrating those flavors into a delicious base.
Step 4: Whisk in Cream and Seasonings
Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking, then stir in the Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety, ready to embrace the tomatoes.
Step 5: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Gently fold in the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook the sauce for another five minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and their juices to meld with the creamy mixture, thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Basil Off Heat
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. This helps preserve the fresh herbal aroma while the cheese melts into the sauce, giving it that utterly luscious finish.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water, and toss it in the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right. Serve immediately with extra parmesan if you like that cheesy goodness on top.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity is key here. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, a few torn basil leaves, and a crack of black pepper add beautiful color and elevate the flavors. For a subtle twist, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add complexity and a little warmth.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crusty garlic bread to sop up every bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini round out the meal with fresh, earthy tones.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner setting, serve the pasta in warm, shallow bowls to keep it hot longer and showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish each bowl with a spiral of basil and even a cherry tomato for pops of color that make the dish Instagram-worthy. A rustic wooden board with the sauce skillet alongside fresh bread turns dinner into a casual, inviting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and pasta together to maintain the best texture, but avoid overmixing to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Freezing
While fresh pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t freeze exceptionally well, you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it gently and reheat slowly, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal later on.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Stir often and reheat just until warmed through to preserve the fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works wonderfully, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle can hold onto the sauce beautifully as well. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Is it necessary to use white wine, or can I skip it?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken or vegetable broth is a great substitute and will still bring a lovely depth to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, so the flavor is subtle but helps to brighten the cream.
Can I make this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe vegan?
Yes, with a few modifications. Substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use non-dairy cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How fresh should the basil be?
Fresh basil is key to achieving the vibrant flavor that defines this recipe. Tear the leaves by hand just before adding them to avoid bruising and preserve their bright, fragrant aroma.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. This makes the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like home the moment it hits your plate. It’s rich yet fresh, comforting yet elegant, simple yet full of nuance. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—you’ll discover why it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen, too.
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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with a luscious sauce made from butter, garlic, white wine, heavy cream, fresh tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and aromatic basil. This comforting meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup basil, torn into pieces (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package directions.
- Make Roux Base for Sauce: While the pasta is cooking and about 10 minutes remaining, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour and cook for about 1 minute while stirring frequently to form a roux.
- Add Garlic and Wine/Broth: Stir in minced garlic, then pour in white wine or broth. Allow the liquid to reduce by half, which should take around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Whisk in heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth.
- Add Tomatoes and Thicken: Stir in chopped tomatoes and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce with Cheese and Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve: Drain the pasta, reserving about a tablespoon of pasta water. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Using reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
- Fresh basil can be increased for a stronger herbal flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or white wine.
- If Dijon mustard is unavailable, this step can be omitted without significantly affecting flavor.
- To reduce fat content, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lactose-free cream alternative.
