Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Q: What if I don't have heavy cream? Can I use something else in this easy pasta dinner recipe?

No worries, mate! You've got options. Half-and-half will work in a pinch, but it will result in a slightly less rich sauce. You could also use milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream adds a lovely richness, or try a cashew cream sauce!

Easy Pasta Dinner Creamy Tomato Basil Ready in 30

By Amara Vitalis September 17, 2025

4.40 (5 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get home after a long day and think "what's for dinner?". Craving something comforting and quick? This easy pasta dinner is your answer! It's bursting with fresh tomato basil pasta flavors and it's ready in under 30 minutes.

Brief Overview

This creamy pasta recipe is inspired by classic easy Italian recipes . It's a simple dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner idea , and it serves about four people.

Get ready for a delicious 30-minute meal .

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's packed with fresh ingredients. Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C.

This pasta with tomato sauce is perfect for a casual get-together or a quick easy family dinner . What makes it special? The simplicity, Honestly! anyone can make this and it tastes amazing.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Okay, you know how sometimes you just want something super simple? This dish is all about that. It's my go-to recipe when I need a quick and satisfying pasta dinner recipes .

You'll need pasta, of course! I usually go with penne, because the sauce clings to it nicely. A good quality olive oil is a must and don't forget fresh garlic.

Some crushed tomatoes will form the base of the sauce, then add cream and basil. Parmesan cheese and pepper will round it out.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your "Easy Pasta Dinner" Toolkit

Alright, let's dive into what you need for this awesome easy pasta dinner . This creamy pasta recipe is so straightforward. Honestly, it's almost cheating! We are keeping it easy !

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

First, pasta! You will need 1 pound (450g) of your favorite. Penne and rotini work great. But really, any shape will do. Just make sure it is not overcooked.

You'll also need 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of good olive oil. The good stuff makes a difference. Grab 2 cloves of minced garlic (about 6g ).

Fresh garlic is key. Seriously, don't use the jarred stuff here.

Next, get 1 (28 ounce/800g) can of crushed tomatoes. Look for a good brand. Then grab ½ cup (120ml) of heavy cream.

It adds richness and makes this a decadent treat. And don't forget ¼ cup (15g) of fresh basil, chopped. The basil is essential for that classic tomato basil pasta flavor.

Finally, you'll need ¼ cup (30g) of grated Parmesan cheese. Plus, more for serving! And some salt and pepper, to taste.

A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional. But I like a little kick. Don't forget to reserve ¼ cup (60ml) of pasta water.

It is the secret to a silky sauce. Add 1 teaspoon (5g) of granulated sugar.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!

This recipe is all about that classic Italian combo. Garlic and basil are the heroes. The simple pasta recipes are the best pasta recipes .

For a flavor boost, a pinch of red pepper flakes is great. Honestly, a little bit of heat goes a long way.

No fresh basil? Dried basil will work in a pinch. But fresh is always better. For a deeper flavour, consider adding a bay leaf while the sauce simmers.

Remove it before serving, though!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

This easy Italian recipes is fuss free. You only need a few basic tools. A large pot is essential for cooking the pasta.

Obvious, right? You'll also need a large skillet or saucepan for the sauce.

No fancy equipment needed for this easy pasta dinner . A wooden spoon or spatula will do the trick for stirring.

If you don't have a saucepan, use a large frying pan. I love this quick weeknight dinner ideas saves on washing up too! You know? It really is one of those easy recipes for dinner or even a quick pasta lunch .

Alright, let's talk cooking methods ! Specifically, about a pasta dish that's so simple, so satisfying, and so quick, it's become my go-to for those crazy weeknights.

I'm talking about creamy tomato basil pasta .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? Honestly, it just means getting your stuff together. Chop your basil, mince your garlic, and measure out your ingredients.

Quick dinner recipes depend on this.

It will save you from that mid-cook panic when you realize you're out of tomatoes. Talk about a classic kitchen disaster! And honestly this simple pasta recipes can be great if you prep properly.

Time saving tip: Pre-minced garlic from a jar is fine in a pinch. Just don't tell my Italian grandma! But fresh garlic is always, always the best with this easy Italian dinner .

Let's Cook: The step-by-step for This Easy Pasta Dinner

Here's the lowdown. We're making an easy pasta dinner that tastes way fancier than it is. It is one of the best pasta recipes if you ask me.

Get your pasta going in salted boiling water. Cook it until al dente , which, for you northerners, means it has a slight bite.
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Cook until fragrant about 30 seconds . Don't burn it!
Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes .
Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Heat through ( 2- 3 minutes ). Your kitchen should smell divine at this point.
Toss the drained pasta with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water to loosen.

Pro Tips to Take You from Zero to Hero

Okay, listen up. This is how you take a good tomato basil pasta dish to the next level. Don't skip these little tricks because it will really shine.

Pro Tip Number 1: Always save some pasta water! The starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Pro Tip Number 2: Use good quality Parmesan. The cheap stuff just doesn't melt the same. This is one of the easy Italian recipes you can find, so quality over quantity!

And my number one tip: don't be afraid to experiment with this cream sauce pasta . Add veggies, different cheeses, whatever floats your boat! And if you are looking for cheap pasta meals this is the best recipe.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite easy recipes for dinner . This will fast become one of your favorite easy weeknight dinners .

So, there it is! A foolproof, flavor packed easy pasta dinner ready in under 30. Enjoy this family friendly pasta dishes !

Recipe Notes For Your Easy Pasta Dinner

So, you're ready to make this easy pasta dinner . Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about some extra tips.

These will take your Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta from yum to OH MY GOSH! . It's all about making it perfect for you .

Serving Suggestions - Level Up Your Pasta Game

Honestly, presentation matters. You know? For a fancy feel, twirl the pasta with tongs. Pop it in a bowl. Top with extra fresh basil and Parmesan. Simple but effective!

A side of garlic bread is ALWAYS a winner. Seriously, who can resist? A fresh side salad cuts through the richness nicely.

And if you're feeling boujee , a glass of Chianti is the perfect pairing.

Storage Tips - Saving Some For Later?

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can even freeze it. Although the sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. Give it a good stir when reheating.

Honestly, I think it's best fresh, but freezing is a great option if you need it. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Ensure it's piping hot before serving.

Variations - Make it Your Own

Want to make it extra special? Easy peasy! For a vegetarian pasta dish , add some roasted veggies. Think courgette, peppers, or mushrooms. Fry with the garlic.

For a lighter, cream sauce pasta , you can substitute the heavy cream with half and-half or even a splash of milk.

This lowers the fat content. If you're dairy-free, coconut cream is a fab substitute. For a quick pasta lunch , prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta when you're ready to eat.

Swap basil, consider using spinach.

Nutrition Basics - Quick and Easy, but Still Good For You

Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly a salad . But it's not bad either! You get carbs for energy, protein from the Parmesan, and vitamins from the tomatoes and basil.

Each serving has around 550 calories.

Plus, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. Basil aids digestion. So, it's a tasty treat that offers benefits! If you want to make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta.

Easy Recipes for Dinner Await!

This easy pasta dinner is so versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment. It is a family friendly pasta dish and is one of the best pasta recipes , pasta with tomato sauce , this is a guaranteed winner.

Get in the kitchen, get cooking, and have some fun with these quick dinner recipes and easy italian recipes . You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this easy pasta dinner ahead of time?

You can certainly prep some of the ingredients ahead! Chop the garlic and basil, and measure out the other ingredients. However, it's best to cook the pasta and sauce fresh for the best texture.

If you do cook the whole dish in advance, the pasta might absorb more of the sauce, so add a splash of water when reheating and perhaps reduce the cook time by 2 minutes.

What if I don't have heavy cream? Can I use something else in this easy pasta dinner recipe?

No worries, mate! You've got options. Half and-half will work in a pinch, but it will result in a slightly less rich sauce. You could also use milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream adds a lovely richness, or try a cashew cream sauce!

How do I store leftovers of this pasta dish?

Leftovers of this easy pasta dinner can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a little water or milk when reheating to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened up during refrigeration.

Can I add protein to this pasta dish to make it a more complete meal?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for adding protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or even white beans would all be delicious additions. Just stir them into the sauce towards the end of the cooking time. You could even throw in some grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option with a bit of bite!

What kind of pasta works best for this easy pasta dinner?

Honestly, just about any short pasta shape will work well! Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even macaroni are all great choices. The key is to choose a shape with lots of nooks and crannies to grab onto that delicious sauce.

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine will also taste great; the experience is just slightly different.

Is this recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This creamy tomato pasta offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and reducing the amount of heavy cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.

Remember to check the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients you use, as it can vary.