Quick Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A quick and easy creamy tomato basil pasta recipe ready in 15 minutes, perfect for comfort food lovers seeking a simple yet indulgent meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of your preferred short pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss in 2 cups (300 g) of cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and start to burst.
- Transfer half of the softened tomatoes and juices to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan to puree until smooth. Return the blended sauce to the skillet with the remaining tomatoes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and stir them into the pasta just before serving.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Keep an eye on the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta. Blend half the tomatoes for a velvety sauce texture. Use fresh basil added at the end to preserve aroma and color. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
Keywords: quick pasta, creamy tomato basil pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, 15-minute recipe, vegetarian pasta, weeknight meal