Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe: A Cozy 20-Minute Dinner Hit

Creamy tomato basil pasta represents the pinnacle of comfort food with its rich, velvety texture and vibrant flavor profile.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this soul-warming dish that promises instant satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe enhances simple components into something magical.

Each twirled forkful delivers a harmonious blend of tangy tomatoes and smooth, herbaceous notes.

The sauce coats pasta strands with luxurious elegance, creating a restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes.

Fresh basil leaves contribute an aromatic brightness that elevates the entire experience beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Passionate food lovers will find themselves craving this irresistible combination again and again.

Why Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Is Always a Comfort Dish

• Craft a Silky Sauce: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce that clings perfectly to pasta, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.
• Elevate Everyday Ingredients: Using pantry staples like butter, flour, and broth, you'll create a sophisticated dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills and time.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving a comforting, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or quality.

What You’ll Need to Make Tomato Basil Pasta

• Pasta: Classic choice for a comforting meal, with al dente texture essential for perfect dish.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize sauce with silky consistency.
• Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture to sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Optional ingredient that brings subtle tang and complexity.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth to sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides traditional herb blend for authentic taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enriches overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.

• Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient that adds brightness and slight acidity.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

How to Cook a Creamy, Flavorful Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter until it starts to foam. Sprinkle flour into the butter and whisk quickly to create a smooth roux.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard

Whisk ingredients until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Stir in chopped tomatoes. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, creating a rich texture. Cook for 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Sauce With Herbs

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Gently toss pasta in sauce, adding reserved water if needed for desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for the Right Pasta Texture and Creaminess

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality, fresh pasta for the best texture and flavor in this creamy dish.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk continuously while adding cream to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.
• Herb Boost: Use fresh basil leaves for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheese Control: Grate parmesan cheese just before adding to maintain its rich, nutty taste and creamy consistency.
• Water Wisdom: Save a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, helping the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Pasta Later

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Gently warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Method: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or milk, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Serve with This Easy Pasta Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the bright tomato and basil flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, toasted garlic bread provides a perfect crunchy texture contrast to the smooth pasta and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add a Fresh Salad Side: Create a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy pasta and add a fresh, zesty element to the meal.
• Complement with Grilled Chicken: Add some lean protein by topping the pasta with simply seasoned grilled chicken breast for a more substantial and satisfying dinner option.

Additions to Make It More Filling or Flavorful

• Spicy Mediterranean Pasta: Add red pepper flakes and swap basil for oregano, creating a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version with a warming kick.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant into the sauce, boosting nutritional value and adding smoky depth to the original recipe.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp, transforming the pasta into a hearty main course with extra protein and flavor complexity.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Replace dairy cream with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and select plant-based butter for a completely dairy-free adaptation that maintains the rich, creamy texture.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired creamy tomato basil pasta brings silky elegance to weeknight dinners. Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes dance together, creating a luxurious sauce that wraps perfectly around al dente noodles you’ll savor in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
• ½ cup fresh basil, torn (or more to taste)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Liquid and Fat:

• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines.
2. While pasta is simmering, prepare a skillet over medium-high heat and gently melt butter until it turns golden and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, pale roux. Cook for approximately one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Add minced garlic to the roux, releasing its aromatic essence for several seconds.
5. Pour broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to bubble and reduce by half, creating an intensely flavored base.
6. Incorporate cream, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, whisking until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
7. Introduce chopped tomatoes into the sauce, letting them simmer and meld together, creating a rich and vibrant mixture.
8. Remove skillet from heat and fold in parmesan cheese and delicate basil leaves, creating layers of complex flavors.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced sauce.
10. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid. Gently fold pasta into the sauce, using reserved water to adjust texture if needed.
11. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, garnishing with additional freshly grated parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect pasta texture by cooking it al dente, ensuring a slight firmness that complements the creamy sauce.
• Create a rich, velvety base by making a quick roux with butter and flour, which helps thicken the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil for the most vibrant and authentic taste, elevating the entire dish with bright, garden-fresh notes.
• Adjust sauce consistency by reserving a bit of pasta water, which can help thin or smooth out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Balance flavors with a touch of Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning, adding complexity and a subtle kick to the creamy tomato sauce.
• Finish the dish immediately after combining pasta and sauce to maintain the ideal temperature and prevent the sauce from becoming too heavy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 90mg