If you crave comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is just the answer. Blending the rich creaminess of heavy cream and parmesan with the fresh zest of basil and tangy tomato sauce, it’s a vibrant, luscious dish that pleases every palate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful simplicity while packing a comforting punch of flavor that will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients, each adding its own charm to create the perfect balance of taste, color, and texture. From the creamy cheese to the fragrant basil, every component plays a vital role.
- 1 lb penne pasta: The sturdy tubes are perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that sautés the onion and garlic gently without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce: The heart of the dish, delivering rich tomato flavor with fresh basil undertones.
- Dash of sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce to round out the taste beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that bring out the best of every ingredient.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a velvety smooth richness that makes the sauce so heavenly.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan: Offers a salty, nutty component that deepens the flavor and adds umami.
- Fresh basil, for topping: Bright and aromatic, the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for just 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent but before the garlic browns. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. To balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, add a dash of sugar, then season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is doing its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—a perfect bite that will hold up wonderfully once tossed with the sauce. Remember to save one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy liquid will help adjust your sauce’s consistency.
Step 4: Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese
Remove your skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce reaches a silky smooth texture. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. This creamy finish transforms the sauce into a decadent, irresistible coating for your pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the drained penne to your creamy sauce, tossing to ensure every piece is generously coated. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get the perfect consistency. This step ensures your Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is perfectly saucy without being heavy.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The ideal way to finish this dish is by sprinkling fresh, chopped basil on top—its bright aroma and peppery notes lift the creaminess perfectly. For an extra touch, sprinkle some more grated parmesan or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil. These simple garnishes make the pasta feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a lovely side, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls to keep it cozy and inviting or plate it in a shallow dish with a basil sprig on top for a more elegant presentation. For a fun twist, try stuffing the penne into a hollowed-out tomato for a stunning individual serving that doubles as a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat the next day.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based sauces can sometimes be tricky, this dish freezes fairly well. Cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers, separating into portions. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce tightens up, add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen it back to that signature creaminess. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth and the pasta tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will work beautifully with this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan parmesan alternatives. Just keep in mind the flavors will adjust slightly, but it will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred sauce?
Yes, but it will require longer cooking to create the right texture and depth of flavor. Using a high-quality jar of tomato and basil sauce is a fantastic shortcut that still makes this recipe taste incredible.
How can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes would all complement the creamy tomato and basil flavors nicely. Toss them in at the end to keep them tender and juicy.
What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A light to medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and enhancing the tomato and basil notes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines creamy textures with bright, fresh flavors, and this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe delivers just that with effortless charm. Whether making it for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to fall in love with. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta!
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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 combines a rich, flavorful Bertolli Tomato and Basil Sauce with sautéed aromatics and a luscious blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, topped with fresh basil for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce (approximately 24 oz)
- Dash of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Finishing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, being careful 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 everything to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the 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 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your preference. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy tomato and basil penne pasta immediately, topped with freshly chopped basil. Optional: add extra Parmesan cheese and basil for garnish.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing; it should be fragrant and translucent.
- Simmering the sauce helps deepen the flavor and thicken the consistency.
- Reserving pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
- Use fresh basil for a bright herbaceous finish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to balance the flavors based on your taste preference.
