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This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe stands out as a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Combining fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil with a luscious blend of heavy cream and parmesan, it delivers a rich, comforting sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta.
Despite its indulgent creaminess, this dish provides a balanced nutritional profile, offering a solid 15 grams of protein per serving and a good dose of fiber from tomatoes and pasta.
The recipe also features heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from butter and cheese, though it’s wise to enjoy in moderation due to the saturated fat content from cream and cheese.
Its relatively simple ingredient list and 25-minute total cook time make it highly approachable for home cooks, while the optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that can be tailored to your preference.
Whether served as a cozy dinner or prepped ahead for leftovers, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing choice that combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent comfort.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Pot
Essential for boiling pasta to the perfect al dente texture. A sturdy, large pot ensures even cooking and plenty of space for pasta to move freely, preventing sticking and ensuring perfect pasta every time.
Large Skillet
Ideal for sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes, and for simmering the creamy sauce. A heavy-bottom skillet provides even heat distribution, helping to build deep, rich flavors without burning.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements are crucial for balancing creaminess and seasoning. High-quality measuring tools guarantee consistent results and simplify recipe preparation.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Perfect for stirring the sauce and mixing pasta without scratching cookware. These utensils allow gentle folding of ingredients and thorough coating of pasta with sauce.
Colander
Used for draining pasta while reserving some cooking water, which is key to adjusting sauce consistency. A durable colander streamlines the draining process and ensures pasta isn’t overcooked.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 Large Skillet (for sauce preparation)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
- 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring)
- 1 Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta Cavatappi or your favorite shape
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium yellow onion finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes optional, for a subtle heat
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce preferably smooth or pureed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just tender but still firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spice: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and red chili flakes (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Soften Fresh Tomatoes and Garlic: Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down slightly and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a creamy, silky consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve: Fold in the chopped fresh basil just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and aroma. Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Pasta Shape: While Cavatappi is recommended for its fun spiral shape that holds sauce well, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Spice Level: Adjust or omit red chili flakes based on your preferred heat level.
- Tomato Sauce: Homemade or store-bought tomato sauce both work; choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
- Make Ahead Tip: The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently, adding reserved pasta water to restore creaminess before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Creaminess
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this tomato basil pasta relies on a few key techniques.
First, sautéing the onions slowly until translucent helps develop a sweet, mellow base that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Using fresh Roma tomatoes alongside tomato sauce adds a vibrant, natural flavor and texture contrast that elevates the sauce beyond the ordinary.
Incorporating reserved pasta water is essential; the starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and helping it cling to the pasta.
When adding Parmesan, add it off the heat or on low to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
Lastly, stirring in fresh basil at the very end preserves its bright aroma and color, giving the dish a fresh, garden-fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This creamy pasta shines as a hearty main dish but pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
For a light contrast, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan.
Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices complement the rich sauce perfectly and are great for soaking up leftovers.
To add protein, consider topping the pasta with grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian boost.
A chilled glass of light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, balances the richness and makes for an elegant dinner pairing.
Storage Tips for Fresh Flavor
To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate and consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
Avoid microwaving at high power as this can cause the sauce to separate. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta without fresh basil, which doesn’t freeze well.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat carefully before stirring in fresh basil just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This sauce works well with any pasta shape that holds sauce, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Feel free to choose your favorite.
2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese to keep the cheesy flavor.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based cream substitutes and vegan cheese, and replace butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy.
4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat and add fresh basil and cooked pasta.
5. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming watery?
Simmer the sauce gently to reduce excess liquid. Use reserved pasta water sparingly—add just enough to loosen the sauce without thinning it too much.
This recipe is inspired by modernfarmhouseeats and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.