This creamy basil tomato pasta is a quick and tasty meal that everyone will love. With fresh basil and ripe tomatoes, it’s like a hug for your taste buds!
I mean, who can resist creamy pasta? It’s comfort food that’s ready in no time. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—it’s just the cherry on the cake! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding sauce, but you can swap it for any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for flavor. However, you can use canola or avocado oil if you prefer a neutral taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about 1/4 teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t on hand. Just drain them slightly before adding.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut cream. Just note that non-dairy alternatives can change the flavor slightly.
Basil: Fresh basil is a must for this dish for freshness. If you can’t find it, dried basil will do, but use about 1 teaspoon instead, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Sauce Just Right?
The sauce in this pasta can be quick to prepare, but getting it smooth is key. Start by cooking your garlic just until fragrant—don’t rush this part, as burnt garlic can ruin the taste.
- Once you add the tomatoes, let them cook just until they start breaking down. This step releases their juices and sweetness.
- When mixing in cream, keep the heat low. This prevents it from curdling while allowing it to meld with the tomatoes nicely.
- As you add Parmesan cheese, slowly stir until melted and adjust thickness with reserved pasta water. This method keeps your sauce creamy without it becoming too thick.
Remember, cooking is all about adjusting to your taste, so feel free to taste as you go and make it your own!
How to Make Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette pasta (or your favorite pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes or 2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (plus some whole leaves for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delicious meal that fits into a busy schedule, perfect for a weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring it around for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the chopped tomatoes (whether they’re cherry or regular). Cook them in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices. This is where you’ll build a lot of the flavor!
4. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through; this will take just a minute or two. Stir to blend with the tomatoes.
5. Stir in Cheese:
Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and combines smoothly with the creamy tomato mixture. If it seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Add Fresh Basil and Season:
Stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Season your sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and, if you like a kick, some red pepper flakes.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Finally, add your cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing it well with the creamy tomato sauce to ensure every piece is coated in tasty goodness.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy basil tomato pasta hot and garnish with extra whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Bon appétit! This creamy basil tomato pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that the whole family will love.
FAQ About Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is recommended for its shape, you can substitute it with any pasta you enjoy, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! While fresh basil is ideal for its aromatic flavor, you can use dried basil instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated—use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of fresh.
Feel free to reach out with any other questions you might have about this delicious dish! Enjoy cooking!
