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This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is the kind of simple, comforting dinner that saves busy weeknights. Made with pantry staples, a rich tomato cream sauce, and fresh basil, it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for feeding your family without spending a fortune or hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta!
This is one of those one pot recipes I lean on when dinner needs to be easy but still feel homemade.
When schedules are full and everyone’s hungry, this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta dish always delivers — it’s affordable, filling, and something my whole family will actually eat.
Recipes like this remind me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you love making one pot recipes, make sure to check out Easy One Pot Dinners for Busy Families Series.
We love serving this with a Easy Caesar Salad Recipe and Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe to get every last drop of the delicious smooth sauce!
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Budget-Friendly: Yes
- Kid-Approved: Yes
- Best For: Busy weeknights, meatless meals, comfort food cravings
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes
Ingredients & Budget-Friendly Swaps
- Uncooked Penne Pasta – Any short pasta works here (rotini, ziti, rigatoni). Store brands are just as good and usually cheaper.
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce. Margarine can be used in a pinch.
- Minced Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred garlic works to save time.
- Tomato Sauce – A 15-ounce can keeps this recipe affordable. No need for fancy jars.
- Heavy Cream – Creates that creamy texture. Half-and-half works for a lighter, cheaper option.
- Italian Seasoning – A simple pantry blend that saves buying multiple spices.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated melts best, but pre-shredded works if that’s what you have.
- Fresh Basil – Adds brightness. Dried basil can be used if fresh isn’t available (use 1–2 teaspoons).
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning that brings the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Step 1 – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Step 3 – Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
Step 4 – Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with the salt and pepper.
Step 5 – Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Stir in the fresh basil.
Step 6 – Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan. Garnish with more fresh basil. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Simmer sauce – Let the sauce simmer gently so it thickens without separating.
- Adding Shredded Parmesan – Stir the Parmesan in slowly to keep the sauce smooth.
- Tomato Basil Sauce Consistency – Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Serving – Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add in Protein – Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for protein.
- Extra Vegetables – Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Chunkier Sauce- Use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
- A hint of Spice – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of cream or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate.
FAQs
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Yes. Substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Absolutely. The creamy tomato flavor is mild and well-loved by kids.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 ounces
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- ½ cup fresh basil roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
- Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with the salt and pepper.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Stir in the fresh basil.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan. Garnish with more fresh basil. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Creamy Pasta Dishes
If you try this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, I’d love to hear how it worked for your family. Leave a comment or star rating below — your feedback helps other busy families find simple, affordable meals they can actually count on.
Love this creamy pasta dish! So easy to make and loved how flavorful it is.