If you’re looking for a fulfilling and comforting meal, this creamy tomato basil pasta is your answer. Made from generous amounts of cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil leaves, and a hint of heavy cream, this dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, tangy, and creamy flavours. The aromatic sauce bursts into your mouth as you take a bite, creating moments of bliss with creamy goodness. The sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top adds extra flavour to the dish, elevating each bite to new heights!
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad and a glass of your favourite wine. Experience the warmth and richness of this Italian classic that will leave you craving more!
Table of contents
Ingredients for creamy tomato basil pasta
- Pasta: I used penne pasta in this recipe but feel free to use your own choice of pasta.
- Fresh cherry tomatoes: These make the base for the pasta sauce that offers a rich, tangy sweetness that is balanced by a slight acidity, adding depth to the dish.
- Garlic: This imparts a warm, savory undertone that enhances the dish’s complexity
- Basil: Fresh basil introduces a vibrant, herbal note, with hints of pepper and mint. Its aromatic quality elevates the overall flavor profile, bringing brightness to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The addition of cream adds a luscious, smooth texture that envelops the tomatoes and basil, creating a rich mouthfeel.
- Tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavour for an enhanced taste.
- White wine: A splash of white wine adds complexity and depth, introducing subtle fruity and acidic notes that elevate the dish. The acidity also helps balance the richness of creamy flavour.
- Pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce and allows it to stick to the pasta.
- Seasonings: Season the dish with sugar, salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavour profile.
- Chilli flakes: A gentle heat makes the dish even more enticing!
- Parmesan cheese: For extra garnish.
How to make creamy tomato basil pasta
- Boil water in a pot over high heat and cook the pasta with some salt for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend.
- When the pasta is cooked, drain them over a strainer. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the ingredients – mince garlic cloves, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and chop the basil leaves.
- In a frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic. Add in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Stir in heavy cream and tomato paste.
- Season with sugar, salt, and pepper, then add in a splash of white wine and pasta water. Mix well.
- Add in freshly chopped basil, sprinkle some chilli flakes, and give it a stir. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Transfer the dish to a serving plate, and garnish with a sprinkle of chilli flakes and parmesan cheese.
Success tips on making creamy tomato basil pasta
Cook the pasta in salted water.
Adding in salt when cooking the pasta helps season the dish right from the start! Be sure to boil a huge amount of water to allow enough room for the pasta to move and cook evenly.
Reserve a cup of pasta water for the sauce.
The starchy pasta water allows the pasta to stick to the sauce, so that every single bite is full of flavours. By adding in pasta water when making the sauce, it softens the cherry tomatoes, allowing their tomato flavours to infuse into the sauce, and helps incorporate all the ingredients together. The slightly salted pasta water also enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
Sauté aromatics.
Start by sautéing garlic in cooking oil to build a flavourful base. This enhances the overall taste of your sauce.
Finish with fresh basil.
Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavour and aroma.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Substitute the cream: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Add in protein: Such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Add in vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for additional nutrition and flavour.
- Use other spices: Add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for more depth.
This delightful dish boasts a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and rich creaminess, all topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for that extra touch of indulgence. Ideal for any occasion, it promises a comforting and delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for more!
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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
- 160 g penne (or pasta of your choice)
- 18 pcs cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves chopped
- 8 garlic cloves minced
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2-3 tsp sugar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- About 1-2 tsp chilli flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- Pasta water
- Splash of white wine
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot over high heat and cook the pasta with some salt for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend.
- When the pasta is cooked, drain them over a strainer. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the ingredients – mince garlic cloves, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and chop the basil leaves.
- In a frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat, then stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant. Add in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Stir in heavy cream and tomato paste.
- Season with sugar, salt, and pepper, then add in freshly chopped basil and sprinkle some chilli flakes. Mix well.
- Add in a splash of white wine and pasta water, then toss with the cooked pasta.
- Transfer the dish to a serving plate, and garnish with a sprinkle of chilli flakes and parmesan cheese.