Creamy Tomato Pasta Flavorful and Simple Recipe

by Abigail on February 17, 2025

Looking for a simple yet flavorful meal? This Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is just what you need. With a few easy ingredients, you can create a dish that delights the senses. In this post, I’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions to make this creamy delight at home. You’ll also discover tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the deliciousness together!

$- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne work great) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar for depth - 1/2 cup spinach for added greens - A splash of white wine for flavor - Extra fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese - A drizzle of olive oil - Cracked black pepper for a finishing touch {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I like fusilli or penne. Cook the pasta as the package says until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander, but keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help later. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell good but not brown. Then, add a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar (if you want), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let this simmer for 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and develop its flavor. After your sauce thickens, it’s time to add the cream. Lower the heat and pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir well until it is all mixed together. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and warm. Now, add the cooked pasta to your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed. This helps make the sauce cling to the pasta. Finally, stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Make sure everything is well-coated. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta! To get a smooth and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Stir the cream in slowly. This helps the sauce blend well. If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This will thin it out without losing flavor. To boost flavor, add more spices. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth. If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar. This balances the flavors nicely. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always cook it al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and helps it hold the sauce better. Another mistake is adding cream too early. Wait until the sauce simmers before mixing it in. Lastly, don’t forget to taste! Adjust seasoning as needed. This is key for a great dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for fresh tomatoes if possible for a more vibrant sauce. Adjust Creaminess: Depending on your preference, you can add more cream for a richer sauce or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it retains a perfect bite. Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta. {{image_2}} You can make this creamy tomato pasta dairy-free by using coconut cream. Coconut cream adds a rich texture and a hint of sweetness. It blends well with the tomatoes and basil. To use it, simply replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of coconut cream. This will keep your dish creamy without the dairy. If you want a lighter taste, use light coconut milk instead. It still works great! Adding protein to your creamy tomato pasta makes it heartier. You can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like tofu. For chicken, grill or sauté pieces until cooked through. For shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until pink and tender. Stir your chosen protein into the sauce just before adding the pasta. This way, the flavors meld nicely. You can also add cooked sausage for a spicy kick! Boost the nutrition of your pasta by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great choices. Start by sautéing your veggies in the olive oil before adding the garlic. This way, they get tender and soak up the flavors. You can also stir in some peas or broccoli at the end for a pop of color and health. These additions not only enhance the taste but also make your meal more balanced. To store your creamy tomato pasta, let it cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture. Freezing is a great way to save leftover creamy tomato pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish or a skillet. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat until warmed through. Add fresh basil or cheese for a flavor boost! Yes, you can use any pasta you love. Fusilli and penne work well, but spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta are great choices. Just remember to cook the pasta until al dente. The shape can change the look and feel of your creamy tomato pasta, but the taste stays delicious. This recipe is already vegetarian since it does not contain meat. To keep it that way, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you are thinking of adding any broth. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost flavors and nutrition. Creamy tomato pasta pairs well with many sides. A fresh side salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread is another favorite that complements the sauce nicely. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a hearty meal. Enjoy! In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for creamy tomato pasta, both required and optional. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook the pasta and make a rich sauce. We also discussed tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. Variations included dairy-free and protein options, plus ways to add veggies. Finally, we highlighted storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. You now have the tools to create your own creamy tomato pasta. Enjoy making it your own!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream or coconut cream creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Fresh Flavors: The vibrant taste of fresh basil and garlic elevates the dish, bringing a taste of summer to your table.
Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein for a heartier meal.

Ingredients

Required Ingredients

– 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne work great)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

– 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Optional Ingredients for Enhancements

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

– 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar for depth

– 1/2 cup spinach for added greens

– A splash of white wine for flavor

Suggested Garnishes

– Extra fresh basil leaves

– Grated Parmesan cheese

– A drizzle of olive oil

– Cracked black pepper for a finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Pasta to Perfection

To cook the pasta just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I like fusilli or penne. Cook the pasta as the package says until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander, but keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help later.

Making the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Now, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell good but not brown. Then, add a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar (if you want), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let this simmer for 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and develop its flavor.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

After your sauce thickens, it’s time to add the cream. Lower the heat and pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir well until it is all mixed together. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and warm. Now, add the cooked pasta to your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed. This helps make the sauce cling to the pasta. Finally, stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Make sure everything is well-coated. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture

To get a smooth and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Stir the cream in slowly. This helps the sauce blend well. If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This will thin it out without losing flavor.

Flavor Enhancements for Your Sauce

To boost flavor, add more spices. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth. If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar. This balances the flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always cook it al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and helps it hold the sauce better. Another mistake is adding cream too early. Wait until the sauce simmers before mixing it in. Lastly, don’t forget to taste! Adjust seasoning as needed. This is key for a great dish.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for fresh tomatoes if possible for a more vibrant sauce.
Adjust Creaminess: Depending on your preference, you can add more cream for a richer sauce or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it retains a perfect bite.
Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.

Variations

Dairy-Free Options Using Coconut Cream

You can make this creamy tomato pasta dairy-free by using coconut cream. Coconut cream adds a rich texture and a hint of sweetness. It blends well with the tomatoes and basil. To use it, simply replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of coconut cream. This will keep your dish creamy without the dairy. If you want a lighter taste, use light coconut milk instead. It still works great!

Adding Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)

Adding protein to your creamy tomato pasta makes it heartier. You can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like tofu. For chicken, grill or sauté pieces until cooked through. For shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until pink and tender. Stir your chosen protein into the sauce just before adding the pasta. This way, the flavors meld nicely. You can also add cooked sausage for a spicy kick!

Incorporating Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

Boost the nutrition of your pasta by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great choices. Start by sautéing your veggies in the olive oil before adding the garlic. This way, they get tender and soak up the flavors. You can also stir in some peas or broccoli at the end for a pop of color and health. These additions not only enhance the taste but also make your meal more balanced.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigeration

To store your creamy tomato pasta, let it cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing is a great way to save leftover creamy tomato pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Tips for Leftovers

To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish or a skillet. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat until warmed through. Add fresh basil or cheese for a flavor boost!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you love. Fusilli and penne work well, but spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta are great choices. Just remember to cook the pasta until al dente. The shape can change the look and feel of your creamy tomato pasta, but the taste stays delicious.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian since it does not contain meat. To keep it that way, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you are thinking of adding any broth. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost flavors and nutrition.

What can I serve with creamy tomato pasta?

Creamy tomato pasta pairs well with many sides. A fresh side salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread is another favorite that complements the sauce nicely. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a hearty meal. Enjoy!

In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for creamy tomato pasta, both required and optional. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook the pasta and make a rich sauce. We also discussed tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. Variations included dairy-free and protein options, plus ways to add veggies. Finally, we highlighted storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions.

You now have the tools to create your own creamy tomato pasta. Enjoy making it your ow

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with fresh basil and tomatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes (14 ounces)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
to taste grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Add the oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until well combined. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss well to combine, adding some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
Finish with Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and mix until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Divide the creamy tomato pasta among serving plates. Top with additional basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve in deep pasta bowls with a sprinkle of extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Keyword basil, creamy, pasta, tomato