If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug with every bite, this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Combining the classic charm of tomato and basil with the indulgent richness of cream and parmesan, this pasta sings with vibrant flavors and smooth textures. It’s the perfect meal to satisfy your taste buds on a busy weeknight or impress friends at your next casual dinner gathering. The best part is how effortlessly simple it is to pull together using a handful of humble ingredients, transforming them into a dish that tastes far more sophisticated than the time it takes to cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s building flavor layers or creating that luscious, velvety texture. Using fresh aromatics, quality sauce, and a touch of cream, each element brings something special to the plate.
- 1 lb penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto every bit of creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics without burning.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a sweet savoriness that deepens the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small: Essential for that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce: A reliable, richly flavored base packed with fresh tomato and basil.
- Dash of sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every other flavor without overpowering.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan: Adds salty depth and melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Fresh basil, for topping: Brightens the dish with its fresh, herbaceous punch and beautiful color.
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, and gently cook them just until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its incredible fragrance. This step is all about building a flavorful foundation while keeping the garlic from getting bitter by cooking too long or too hot.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in your jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a dash of sugar to cut any acidity, then sprinkle in salt and pepper according to your taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every now and then. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and thickens the sauce into a dreamy base ready to be elevated.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—the reserved water is a game-changer when it comes to adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 4: Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese
Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan. This turns your tomato sauce into something irresistibly creamy, smooth, and richly cheesy. Give it a final taste test here and adjust the salt and pepper so every bite sings.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the cooked penne directly into the sauce and toss until every piece is lavishly coated. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water—it’s magic for achieving a silky, clingy texture without watering down the flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe by sprinkling fresh basil leaves on top. The fresh herb elevates the dish with its bright, aromatic pop and adds a gorgeous green contrast against the creamy red sauce. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in happily!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Going beyond fresh basil, you can add a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan or even some cracked black pepper for a touch of spice. For a bit of texture, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil make fantastic finishing touches that complement the creamy tomato flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta works wonderfully next to a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, cutting through the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or freshly baked focaccia also pair superbly, giving you a crunchy counterpoint for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner party, serve this dish in elegant shallow bowls and top with a small basil bouquet or a thin slice of roasted tomato. You could also layer it in a clear glass baking dish and garnish just before serving to showcase its vibrant colors, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, though the pasta might soak up more sauce, so be ready to loosen it up with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water when reheating.
Freezing
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe freezes well but with a small catch: the cream can sometimes change texture slightly. To preserve the best quality, freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible, then combine after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess and softness. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can make this dish even fresher and more vibrant. You’ll want to simmer them longer to break down and thicken the sauce, and add basil toward the end to preserve its flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream and substitute parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is perfect because its ridged surface holds onto the sauce beautifully, but other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli will also do a great job with the creamy tomato sauce.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Sure! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu pieces can add heartiness. Just add them after the sauce is finished simmering and toss gently to combine.
How spicy is this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild by design to highlight the tomato and basil flavors, but you can always add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
Final Thoughts
Making the Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience that delivers comfort, flavor, and a little bit of culinary magic all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table. I hope you enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich tomato and basil sauce made creamy with heavy cream and parmesan. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines simplicity with deliciousness, enhanced by fresh basil for a bright, aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce (about 24 oz)
- Dash of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well, then cook the sauce on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until reaching the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with extra parmesan and basil for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Do not overcook garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Simmering the sauce allows deeper flavor development.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
