This Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta is your new go-to dish! It combines juicy tomatoes with creamy sauce and fresh basil for a delightful meal in no time. Yum!
What I love most is how quick it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights! Just toss everything in and enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese. Who wouldn’t love that? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: I like using conchiglie for this dish as their shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you can’t find them, any pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni will work just fine.
Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If out of season, canned diced tomatoes with herbs can be a great substitute. They’re convenient and still tasty!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just know that the sauce might be a bit less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor. In a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is key for that lovely aroma, but if you’re in a bind, dried basil can substitute. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every 1/4 cup of fresh.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The trick to a creamy sauce is to combine your ingredients in the right order and at the right heat. Here’s how to do it:
- First, sauté garlic in olive oil to release its flavor, but don’t let it brown.
- Add the tomatoes next. Cooking them slightly brings out their juices, mixing well with the oil.
- Now, pour in the cream and let it heat gently. Don’t rush; simmering allows the sauce to thicken up nicely.
- Lastly, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up!
This way, you’ll get that rich creamy texture that perfectly coats the pasta! Enjoy!
Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces pasta shells (conchiglie)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta dish will take you about 20 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough for a cozy weekend meal. Ready to dig in?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant but not browned, so keep an eye on it!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook them for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juicy goodness.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3–5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens—your sauce will become rich and creamy!
5. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so that the shells are well coated with that delicious creamy tomato sauce.
7. Finish with Basil:
Add the fresh chopped basil leaves and season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it another light toss to combine all the flavors.
8. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta hot, adding more grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. A sprinkle of extra basil can also add a beautiful touch! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of your basil tomato pasta!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Basil Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work wonderfully, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream can be used. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and richness of the sauce!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure that you’re using a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese, as some brands may contain animal rennet. Alternatively, try using nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor!
