If you’re searching for a comforting yet sophisticated dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe. Combining the vibrant acidity of crushed tomatoes with luscious cream and fresh basil, this pasta brings together bright flavors and velvety textures in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of creamy richness and herbaceous freshness that turns a simple weeknight meal into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential, each adding their own magic from the sweetness of tomatoes to the fragrant punch of fresh basil.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The ridges on penne hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making each bite flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a warm, aromatic base to the sauce that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient that provides that rich tomato flavor and vibrant red color.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the sauce just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice and depth.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Turns the tomato sauce into a luxuriously creamy delight that coats the pasta.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami richness and a touch of saltiness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Adds herbal brightness and fragrance, finishing the dish with a fresh contrast.
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish (optional): For that beautiful final touch both in taste and presentation.
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cooking your penne pasta until it’s al dente is essential — you want that slight bite that holds up wonderfully when mixed with the creamy sauce. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will help adjust the sauce later for perfect consistency.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, which usually takes about a minute — be careful not to burn it, or you’ll lose that lovely mellow garlic aroma. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, sugar to tame acidity, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Transform the Sauce into Creamy Perfection
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce turns silky smooth and creamy right before your eyes. This step is what makes the Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe irresistibly rich without being heavy. Stir well until you have a cohesive sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained penne back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so each piece of pasta is gloriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water will loosen it up splendidly while keeping that luscious texture. Lastly, fold in the fresh chopped basil for a burst of herbal freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves not only makes it look stunning but also intensifies each bite with additional layers of flavor. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top adds a subtle sheen and richness that invites one more forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complement it wonderfully, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that amazing sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in rustic bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. Alternatively, plating the pasta with some freshly cracked black pepper and a lemon wedge on the side can elevate the look and taste experience. It’s a delightful way to impress guests or elevate a cozy dinner at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the texture intact.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce can be a bit delicate for freezing, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately. Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and store the pasta in a sealed bag. Reheat them both carefully for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive that creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid scorching and to bring it back to its velvety glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work equally well. Choose a pasta with ridges or folds to catch the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! To veganize this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavors will still be rich and delightful.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even mushrooms make fantastic additions. They bring satisfying texture and heartiness without overpowering the delicate tomato and basil flavors.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Pre-grated options can sometimes be powdery and less flavorful, so freshly grating right before you stir it into your sauce makes a big difference.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting when adding cream?
Make sure the tomato sauce is simmering on low heat before adding the cream slowly and stirring constantly. Avoid boiling after cream is added to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from separating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort food with an elegant twist. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company, and the flavors always shine through. I can’t recommend it enough — you’re going to love how effortlessly it brings joy to the dinner table!
Print
Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne 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
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances rich flavors with a smooth, velvety texture that’s sure to satisfy every pasta lover.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Extra fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- To keep the dish vegetarian, ensure your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.
- For added protein, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, less rich sauce.
