Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 400g canned diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Home Planning

I always find myself reaching for a bowl of creamy tomato basil pasta when I want something comforting yet satisfying. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a luscious creamy sauce gives this dish its irresistible charm. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this recipe provides a quick escape to flavor town. I love how the fresh ingredients come together to create a vibrant dish that bursts with color and taste, making it perfect for both solo meals and gatherings with friends and family.

Created by

Portia Langford

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:09:35.707Z

During one of our family get-togethers, I decided to make creamy tomato basil pasta, and it was an instant hit! I used fresh, ripe tomatoes and a generous handful of basil from my garden, which elevated the dish beyond expectations. The key is to cook the tomatoes until they break down and meld with the cream, creating a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

One little trick I discovered was to use a splash of the pasta cooking water to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta. It’s an effortless way to enhance the dish without any extra ingredients. Everyone couldn’t stop raving about it, and it’s now requested at every family meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops every bite
Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
Versatile – customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Using ripe, fresh tomatoes is crucial for this creamy tomato basil pasta. Not only do they contribute natural sweetness, but they also form the base of the sauce, lending vibrant color and flavor. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute with good-quality canned tomatoes, but aim for San Marzano variety for their rich flavor and low acidity. When sautéing, make sure to cook the tomatoes until they are slightly reduced and thickened; this concentrates their sweetness while creating a robust sauce.

Fresh basil is another star in this dish. Its aromatic oils are released when chopped or torn, adding a delightful fragrance and depth to the finished pasta. To ensure the basil retains its bright green color and flavor, add it at the end of cooking rather than letting it simmer for long periods. If you can’t find fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but remember to reduce the quantity significantly—about one-third of the fresh amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Perfecting Your Cream Sauce

To achieve that luxuriously creamy texture, the heavy cream's fat content is key. I recommend using a minimum of 36% fat cream for optimal richness. Be careful not to let the cream boil once added to the sauce, as high heat can cause it to separate. Instead, stir it in over a gentle heat to ensure it blends smoothly with the tomato base, resulting in a glossy and cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cornstarch. This will yield a similar creamy consistency while reducing calories. Just keep in mind that the sauce may lack that deep richness you’d get from the heavy cream, so consider adding a sprinkle of cheese or a bit of extra olive oil to enhance flavor.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

When serving creamy tomato basil pasta, finishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential—its salty, nutty profile perfectly complements the dish. You can also offer red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat. This pasta pairs well with a light arugula salad or crusty garlic bread, creating a delightful meal combination for gatherings.

Should you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As it sits, the pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so add a splash of reserved pasta water when reheating to restore creaminess. If you'd like to freeze the dish, it's best to do so before adding the cream. You can freeze the sauce and pasta separately and combine them after defrosting for the best texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

400g spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, mixing well until combined. Add the drained spaghetti, tossing to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Finish with Basil

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips

For an added kick, try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy twist!

Potential Troubleshooting

One common issue when making creamy tomato sauce is separation, which can happen if the cream is added to a too-hot mixture or boiled. If that happens, removing the skillet from the heat immediately and whisking the sauce vigorously can sometimes help to emulsify it again. If you’re still having trouble, consider adding a tablespoon of butter to provide extra richness and creaminess while helping to bind the ingredients together.

Another challenge is achieving the right thickness for your sauce. If your sauce ends up too runny, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to evaporate some excess liquid, stirring occasionally. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, not adding enough reserved pasta water can also lead to a less enjoyable texture. Start by adding just a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Flavor Adjustments and Variations

If you're looking to elevate the flavors in your creamy tomato basil pasta, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Additionally, incorporating sautéed onions or bell peppers can introduce extra depth. For a heartier version, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for protein, ensuring that you cook them separately first and stir them in just before serving.

For a vegan alternative, replace the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a similarly creamy texture. You can also swap out Parmesan for a nutritional yeast mix to deliver a cheesy flavor without dairy. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the final taste but can result in a deliciously unique dish.

Easy Make-Ahead Options

This creamy tomato basil pasta can easily be made a day in advance, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully. Prepare the dish up until the point of adding the cream and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently heat the sauce in a skillet, add the cream and cooked pasta, adjusting with pasta water for consistency as needed. This not only saves time but also enhances the dish's flavor profile.

Alternatively, if you want to meal prep for the week, you can cook the pasta separately and store it in an airtight container. Store the tomato sauce separately to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Combining the two before serving allows you to enjoy a fresh, creamy dish with minimal effort.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works well and adds more fiber to the dish.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for the cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

→ How can I store leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and toss it with freshly cooked pasta later.