Tomato Basil Pasta is a classic Mediterranean dish and a staple of Italian cuisine. This classic Italian dish combines fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil with pasta to create a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week.
With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this quick and easy recipe in no time. So if you’re looking for an easy, delicious dinner that won’t break the bank, then this Tomato Basil Pasta is just what you need!
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Our recipe for Tomato Basil Pasta begins with an easy to cook homemade tomato basil sauce that simmers on the stove until it thickens into a creamy, rich, tomato-flavored sweet and spicy coating for perfectly Al dente pasta.
This homemade pasta recipe makes an easy meatless meal in under 30 minutes. Made with fresh basil, crushed tomatoes, white wine, heavy cream, and finished with parmesan cheese and fresh tomatoes, this delicious pasta dish is packed with herby flavor with a spicy red pepper kick.
This tomato and basil pasta recipe is naturally vegetarian and perfect for a meatless Monday, but you can certainly pair it with grilled chicken breast, air fryer chicken nuggets, or another protein you prefer.
Why We Love Fresh Basil And Tomato Pasta
- Quick and easy to make.
- Uses simple and budget-friendly ingredients.
- A homemade sauce is so much better than a store-bought jar of tomato basil spaghetti sauce.
- Easy-to-cook creamy sauce creates a flavorful coating for the tender noodles.
- Delicious enough for dinner parties but fast enough for busy weeknights.
- Perfect main meal for meatless Mondays, enjoying leftovers for lunch, or serving for satiating suppers.
Tomato Basil Pasta Ingredients
- Olive oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil because I think it makes the sauce more flavorful.
- Minced garlic
- Tomato paste
- Red pepper flakes
- Crushed tomatoes
- White wine
- Pasta: Feel free to use gluten free pasta to make this a GF dish.
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cherry tomatoes: You can also use use grape tomatoes or any tomatoes growing in your garden.
Substitutions and Additions
- Pick Your Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite long or short-shaped pasta, like linguine, spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne pasta. They all taste great with the homemade tomato basil sauce.
- Vegan Version: To make a vegan basil tomato pasta dish, you can omit the heavy cream and parmesan cheese and use a non-dairy cheese instead. Feel free to add some veggies, like chopped spinach, onion, zucchini, or asparagus for extra taste and texture.
Recommended Tools
- Large saucepan
- Mixing tools
See Full Recipe Card Below
Jump to RecipeHow to Make Tomato Basil Pasta
- Prepare The Pasta: Cook your pasta until it reaches al dente. Set aside.
- Make The Tomato Mixture: Cook the garlic in oil and then stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Add the wine and cook until about 1⁄2 the liquid has evaporated.
- Simmer The Sauce: Simmer, for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the cream and parmesan
Pro Tip: You can add pasta water if necessary to adjust the consistency of the sauce. - Serve: Stir the basil and cooked pasta into the sauce and serve with additional parmesan cheese and optional roasted cherry tomatoes. Enjoy!
Tip for Making The Best Tomato and Basil Pasta
- You can easily change the spiciness of this recipe by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes to your personal preference.
- The tomato paste in this sauce gives it a more concentrated tomato flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pasta
- To Store: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for 2-3 days.
- To Freeze: To freeze, place the tomato basil pasta in an airtight container and freeze it for 1-2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
More Delicious Recipes
- Easy Fried Rice Recipe (Better than Takeout)
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Rotel Cheese Dip
- Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
- Peanut Butter Chicken
- White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Cheeseburger Tacos
Tomato Basil Pasta
Serves — 4
Tomato Basil Pasta is an easy to make meatless meal that comes together in no time. Tender pasta is coated in a rich and creamy, flavorful homemade sauce — perfectly satisfying for serving your family.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 14 ounces can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- ½ pound pasta
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- Cherry tomatoes for topping
Instructions
- Cook your pasta of choice until it reaches al dente. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil and add the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the wine and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 minutes until about 1⁄2 the liquid has evaporated.
- Reduce the heat to low, and partially cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the cream and parmesan, add pasta water if necessary to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Stir in the basil and cooked pasta. Serve with additional parmesan cheese and optional roasted cherry tomatoes.
Jenn’s Notes
Storage:
- To Store: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for 2-3 days.
- To Freeze: To freeze, place the tomato basil pasta in an airtight container and freeze it for 1-2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
- You can easily change the spiciness of this recipe by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes to your personal preference.
- The tomato paste in this sauce gives it a more concentrated tomato flavor.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 784kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 2653mg | Potassium: 2260mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 4297IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 686mg | Iron: 9mg
