Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy — on the table in 30 minutes or less
Creamy, rich sauce with bright flavor from tomatoes and basil
Versatile enough to be served vegetarian or with added protein
Uses simple pantry and fresh ingredients
Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a casual dinner

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, spaghetti)
2 tablespoons butter
½ yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
15 ounces tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
¾ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Thin the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add protein: cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage
Use different pasta: fettuccine, farfalle, or gluten-free alternatives
Add greens: toss in baby spinach or kale just before serving
Lighten it up: use half-and-half or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream
Make it spicy: increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce
Make it vegan: use dairy-free cream and Parmesan, plus olive oil instead of butter

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce
Not recommended for freezing due to cream separating when thawed

FAQs

What pasta shape works best for creamy tomato basil pasta?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well, but long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine also work great. Use your favorite or what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, use vegan butter or olive oil, and swap the Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Is fresh basil necessary?

Fresh basil gives the dish its signature flavor, but if you only have dried, use about ½ teaspoon and add it early in the cooking process to let it rehydrate and infuse.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes work well. Just drain excess liquid slightly and adjust seasoning to taste.

Why did my sauce separate when reheating?

Cream-based sauces can split if overheated. Reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash of milk or water to help bring it back together.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Cook pasta fresh before serving and combine with reheated sauce.

How do I make it less rich?

Use half heavy cream and half milk, or substitute with light cream. You can also reduce the cheese slightly or add more tomato sauce.

What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled or shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage are perfect additions. Cook separately and stir in at the end.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not ideal. Cream-based sauces tend to become grainy when thawed. If freezing, do so without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in spinach, kale, or even peas near the end of cooking. You can also add sautéed zucchini or roasted red peppers for variety.

Conclusion

Creamy tomato basil pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a cozy dinner for one, this pasta delivers richness, freshness, and flexibility. Customize it with your favorite pasta shapes, proteins, or vegetables, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.