Easy Tomato Pasta Recipe – Creamy Basil & Garlic Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Tomato Pasta Recipe – Creamy Basil & Garlic Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a simple, comforting bowl of pasta is always a good idea. This creamy tomato pasta is one of my go-to recipes – it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. I first made this when I was craving something cozy on a rainy day, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! It’s the perfect weeknight meal, and honestly, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tomato pasta isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, all thanks to a few simple ingredients. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus, the fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and a pop of freshness that really elevates the whole thing. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1.5 cups dry pasta (about 225g)
• 8 tomatoes, pureed (about 600ml)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 garlic pod, finely minced
• 2 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (5g)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (5g)
• 0.5 cup cream (120ml)
• 2 tablespoons Basil, Chiffonade (a generous handful!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Tomatoes: Seriously, good tomatoes are key here. If you can get your hands on ripe, in-season tomatoes, even better! The flavor will be incredible. If using canned, opt for good quality whole peeled tomatoes and puree them yourself for the best taste.
• Pasta: I love using penne or fusilli for this recipe because the sauce clings to them beautifully. But honestly, any short pasta shape will work – rotini, rigatoni, even farfalle (bow ties) are great choices.
• Fresh Basil: Don’t even think about using dried basil here! Fresh basil is what makes this pasta sing. The aroma and flavor are just unmatched. Chiffonade means rolling the basil leaves and slicing them thinly – it looks pretty and releases all those lovely oils.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, heat the olive oil in a nice, wide skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and smells amazing – about a minute or so. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Next, add the diced onions and cook until they soften up, usually around 2-3 minutes. You want them translucent, not browned.
3. Now, pour in the tomato puree, add the salt, pepper, and sugar. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes on medium heat. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Pour in the cream and mix it thoroughly with the tomato sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes – just enough to warm the cream through.
5. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta al dente in salted boiling water according to package directions. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining!
6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if needed to create a lovely, creamy consistency.
7. Finally, remove the pasta from the heat and gently fold in the fresh basil. Serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente means “to the tooth” – it should have a slight bite.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar to your liking.
• Pasta water is your friend! It helps bind the sauce and pasta together and creates a silky texture.
• Warm plates! It makes a surprisingly big difference.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the cream for a plant-based cream alternative – cashew cream or oat cream work wonderfully. My friend, Priya, swears by the cashew cream version!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are some really good options available now.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a little kick. My brother loves this!
• Quick Weeknight Version: In a pinch, use a can of good quality diced tomatoes instead of pureeing fresh ones. It won’t be quite as flavorful, but it’ll still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
• A side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Sure! Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It might need a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this pasta best served immediately? Yes, absolutely! It’s at its best when freshly made.
• Can I use different types of pasta? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• What’s the best way to puree tomatoes at home? A blender or food processor works great. If you don’t have either, you can use a potato masher!
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can! Make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Add more or less sugar to taste. A tiny squeeze of lemon juice can also help balance the flavors.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to share your own variations!