If you’re craving something that hugs every bite with rich, comforting flavors, this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s a luscious blend of velvety cream, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta to create a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshingly bright. Whether you’re welcoming friends over or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring this dish to life. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of creamy texture, tangy tomato brightness, and vibrant basil aroma.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type, from penne to fettuccine, for the perfect base to soak up the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for thickening the sauce.
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: This binds everything together, making the sauce silky and luscious.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings a robust depth of flavor that makes the pasta irresistible.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth: Adds acidity and complexity, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star ingredient for that dreamy, creamy texture you’ll love.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Provides a subtle tang that lifts the sauce without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs to sprinkle in warmth and a pinch of earthiness.
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped): Fresh and juicy, they add color and a natural sweetness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1/2 cup basil (tear it up): Fresh basil is essential — tossing it in at the end brings that unmistakable garden-fresh note.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, bringing balance to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta al dente according to the package directions. The firm but tender bite provides the perfect canvas for our rich sauce to cling to.
Step 2: Create the Roux Base
About 10 minutes before your pasta finishes cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute. This quick roux thickens your sauce and gives it a luxuriously smooth texture that’s key to this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Build Flavor With Garlic and Wine
Add the minced garlic to the roux and sauté it just until fragrant. Pour in the white wine or broth, letting it bubble and reduce by half. This reduction concentrates the flavor, giving the sauce a subtle tang and richness that’s unforgettable.
Step 4: Whisk in Cream and Seasonings
Gently whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce is velvety and smooth. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a hypnotically creamy masterpiece.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Stir in the fresh chopped tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and allows the tomatoes to release their natural sweetness, balancing the richness perfectly in this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe.
Step 6: Finish With Parmesan and Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves. Their flavors mingle beautifully here, creating the signature flavor and aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Toss the pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved water if you want your sauce a little looser. Coat everything evenly and serve immediately, topping with extra parmesan if you like that cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your pasta with fresh basil sprigs, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a few chili flakes if you love a little heat. A drizzle of olive oil can also add a silky finish that makes each bite even more decadent.
Side Dishes
This creamy, comforting pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add brightness and texture without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase that rich, inviting sauce. For special occasions, garnish with edible flowers or finely chopped nuts for an unexpected crunch. You can even bake it briefly with extra cheese on top to create a creamy, bubbling pasta bake twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors. You might notice the sauce thickens as it sits, but don’t worry, a splash of cream or pasta water can revive it.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. For optimal quality, try to consume within 1 month. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and add a bit of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from breaking; slow, steady heat keeps it silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe works wonderfully with most pasta shapes. Just choose your favorite, whether that’s penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. The sauce clings nicely to all kinds.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegan adaptation by substituting butter with olive oil, using plant-based cream alternatives, and replacing parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. The fresh basil and tomatoes will keep the dish vibrant and tasty.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Gently reheat before adding pasta to preserve the fresh flavors, especially the basil.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken or vegetable broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute. It adds flavor without changing the essence of the dish, ensuring your Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe stays just as delicious.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta. For a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water or a splash more cream to achieve your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how much joy this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe brings to a simple meal. It’s comforting and elegant, quick but impressive, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that never get old. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike.
Print
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a luscious garlic and white wine cream sauce, studded with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and a hint of Italian seasoning, it’s perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Make the roux: About 10 minutes before the pasta finishes, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add garlic and deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic, then pour in the white wine or broth. Let the mixture bubble and reduce by half, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Create the cream sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
- Toss pasta and serve: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or so of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Using the reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- White wine adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with vegetable or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Dijon mustard is optional but enhances the creaminess and flavor complexity.
- Fresh basil is preferred for bright, aromatic notes; dried basil can be a substitute in a pinch.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
