Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is one of them. It’s the dish I crave when the world feels a little too loud, or when I simply need a taste of home. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta for another ultimate comfort food option.
This recipe takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. The smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil, the gentle simmer of a simple tomato sauce, and the fresh tear of basil leaves. It’s a memory served on a plate.
I want to share that feeling with you. This isn’t a fancy restaurant dish. It’s a vegetarian dinner built on tradition, comfort, and a creamy, dreamy pink sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
My grandma didn’t call it a “pink sauce.” She called it magic. She’d start with her summer tomato preserves, a jar of sunshine saved for a dreary day.
To that, she’d add just a splash of cream from the local dairy. It wasn’t about richness, but about creating a silky, comforting texture that brought the whole dish together.
It was her go-to for busy weeknights and sleepy Sunday suppers. The ritual of making it is as comforting as eating it. I can still hear the wooden spoon tapping the pot’s edge.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
Today, you might see many twists on this idea. But the traditional way is beautifully simple. It relies on the quality of a few key things.
First, we use real canned tomatoes. They are picked and packed at their peak, giving us summer flavor all year round. Fresh tomatoes just can’t give that deep, rounded taste in winter.
Second, the cream is added off the heat. This is the big secret! Adding it at the end, after the sauce has cooked, keeps it from breaking. It gives you that smooth, velvety pink sauce we all love.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to comfort. You likely have most in your pantry right now.
- 1 lb penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 3 tbsp good olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect pot of comfort in no time. The key is to be patient and let the flavors build.
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain it.
- While the pasta cooks, make the sauce. In a large, deep skillet or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for just 60-90 seconds until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Don’t let it burn!
- Carefully add the entire can of tomatoes with their juices. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently crush the tomatoes right in the pot. Stir in the salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Stir it now and then. You’ll see it thicken and darken slightly in color. This builds the flavor.
- Turn off the heat. This is crucial! Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns a beautiful, creamy pink color.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to every noodle.
- Finally, stir in the fresh basil and most of the grated Parmesan. The residual heat will wilt the basil perfectly. Give it one final, loving toss.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls. Top with the remaining basil and Parmesan.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small tricks can make a big difference. They turn a good dish into a great one.
Always save your pasta water! That starchy liquid is like liquid gold. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta and makes everything silky. Add it a few tablespoons at a time. For a different kind of saucy, spicy pasta, check out this creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe made in a Crock Pot.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This dish is best eaten fresh. But if you have leftovers, they can still bring joy.
Let the pasta cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will soak into the pasta more as it sits.
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to a skillet over low heat. Gently warm the pasta, stirring often. This helps revive the creamy texture without it drying out.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, satisfying meal. Here’s a simple look at what’s in a serving.
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a few common questions I get about this family favorite.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Half-and-half is a good middle ground. If you use milk, warm it slightly before adding it to avoid curdling.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Any short pasta that can hold the sauce is wonderful. Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are all great choices. The little nooks and curves catch every bit of the creamy sauce. Shells are another fantastic shape for holding sauce, as you’ll see in this simple creamy beef and shells recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can make the tomato sauce base ahead. Just cool it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, turn off the heat, add the cream, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
I hope this recipe finds its way to your table on a night when you need it most. It’s a reminder that the best meals are often the simplest ones, made with love and a handful of honest ingredients.
This creamy tomato basil pasta has been a constant in my life. It’s a story I’m so happy to share with you. Now, I’d love to hear yours.
Did this dish bring back memories for you? What’s your favorite way to enjoy it? Let me know in the comments below, and if you make it, please give it a rating!
