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A bowl of freshly prepared creamy tomato basil pasta recipe garnished with vibrant green basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.

15-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This silky, restaurant-quality pasta dish combines bright crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of heavy cream for a comforting meal that comes together in under 15 minutes. It is the perfect gourmet solution for busy weeknights when you need maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Penne or Fusilli pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown or burn.
  5. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce achieves a uniform pale orange color.
  7. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  8. Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, tossing constantly to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce; add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat, fold in the fresh basil, season with black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Notes

To ensure the sauce doesn't curdle, always lower the heat before adding the heavy cream. For added nutrition, you can stir in a handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the onions. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a teaspoon of water when reheating to restore the creamy texture. Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp arugula salad for a complete bistro-style experience.