Name: Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300 g penne pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 400 g canned chopped tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 150 ml heavy cream; 1 tsp sugar; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn; 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

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Prepare to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta brings together everything we crave in a pasta dish: tender penne, a velvety tomato sauce rich with fresh basil, and that irresistible touch of Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of meal that’s fancy enough for guests, but easy enough for a cozy weeknight, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re seeking a delicious vegetarian dinner or just want to enjoy a bowl of pure happiness, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor and texture that keep every bite interesting. Together, they build a dish that’s vibrant, creamy, and full of life—a true Italian delight!

300 g penne pasta: Classic penne holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap in your favorite shape if desired.
1 tbsp olive oil: A gentle sauté in olive oil adds depth and a lovely mouthfeel to your sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the secret to making the tomato sauce sing, adding irresistible aroma and flavor.
400 g canned chopped tomatoes: Canned tomatoes give the sauce its robust body and authentic tang.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Tomato paste deepens the color and enriches the tomato flavor for a luscious sauce.
150 ml heavy cream: This is the “creamy” factor—choose high-quality cream for the silkiest results.
1 tsp sugar: Just a touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key! Taste as you go to bring the ingredients into perfect harmony.
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional): If you love a gentle kick, chili flakes add a lovely warmth without overpowering.
1 tsp dried oregano: Oregano infuses the sauce with classic Italian herbiness and earthy notes.
1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn: Fresh basil adds bursts of color, fragrance, and bright, summery flavor.
50 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving: Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating richness and a finishing touch of umami.

How to Make Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your penne pasta. Give it a quick stir so it doesn’t stick together, and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Before draining, be sure to scoop out a small cup of that lovely pasta water—trust me, it’s liquid gold for loosening your sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes. As soon as your kitchen starts to smell amazing and the garlic turns fragrant (but not browned!), you’re good to move on.

Step 3: Create the Tomato Base

Add the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir in the sugar, oregano, and chili flakes if you’re opting for subtle heat. Allow this mixture to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens just a bit. This is when all those savory and sweet flavors really come together.

Step 4: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, blending it thoroughly for a sauce that’s beautifully silky with a gorgeous rose color. Now’s the time to season generously with salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust as you like.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked penne pasta right into the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in that luscious creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash or two of the reserved pasta water will help it cling perfectly to every bite.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. The cheese melts into the sauce, giving it even more creaminess, while the fresh basil infuses the whole dish with its sweet aroma. Serve straight away, finishing each bowl with extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for an elegant touch.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta

Garnishes

The final flourish on your Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta makes all the difference. A generous scatter of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of torn basil leaves not only adds color but also a burst of flavor and fragrance. For a touch of luxury, finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or a twist of freshly ground black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

To turn this pasta into a complete meal, try pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some freshly baked garlic bread for mopping up every bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a colorful and healthy addition, giving your table that inviting Italian trattoria vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta in shallow pasta bowls with plenty of garnishes. Hosting a dinner party? Try topping each serving with a swirl of basil pesto and a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. Or, make it customizable by setting out bowls of extra cheese, chili flakes, and herbs so everyone can create their own perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious dish!), simply transfer your Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it the ideal make-ahead lunch or quick dinner solution.

Freezing

Cream-based pastas can be tricky to freeze because the sauce may separate a little, but if you’d like to give it a try, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to its creamy glory, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream and a little extra Parmesan to revive the sauce. If using the microwave, add a tablespoon of water or cream and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching that creamy sauce, other short shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook your chosen pasta until al dente for the best texture.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Transform Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta into a vegan delight by substituting the heavy cream with a rich non-dairy alternative (like coconut or soy cream) and skipping the Parmesan, or using a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The result will still be luxuriously creamy and flavorful!

What protein can I add for a heartier meal?

If you’d like to bulk things up, this pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken slices, sautéed mushrooms, or even crispy chickpeas for extra protein and texture. Just cook your protein separately and toss it in at the end.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The tomato-basil sauce can be made up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge, then gently reheat and add the cream and fresh basil before tossing with freshly cooked pasta for the perfect weeknight shortcut.

My sauce is too thick—what should I do?

If your sauce thickens up more than you’d like, don’t worry. Just stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water (or regular hot water) a little at a time until you reach that dreamy, saucy consistency that clings perfectly to every piece of penne.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that delivers all the coziness and flavor of classic Italian fare with minimal effort, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta. I hope you’ll share this recipe with friends, make it for loved ones, or simply treat yourself to a big, steaming bowl—you deserve it! Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy tomato and basil penne pasta. With a luscious sauce made from canned tomatoes, cream, and a hint of basil, this Italian-inspired dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

300 g penne pasta

Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
400 g canned chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
150 ml heavy cream
1 tsp sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn
50 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and chili flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, season with salt and pepper, then add pasta to the sauce. Mix in Parmesan and basil, and serve hot with extra cheese and basil.