Dinner

Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Romano cheese, grated; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 16 oz penne pasta

ByEthan Lark March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

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Introduction

This creamy tomato and basil pasta combines rich, velvety sauce with fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with pinkish creamy sauce, small green spinach leaves, and bits of red tomatoes. The pasta pieces are whole and well-coated with the sauce, giving a smooth and slightly shiny texture. A wooden spoon is partially visible, stuck into the pasta from the back of the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
5 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Romano cheese (grated)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
16 oz penne pasta

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Stir in the grated Romano cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Immediately reduce heat to low and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 5: Add the chopped fresh basil and allow it to wilt in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the sauce from heat and toss with the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
Step 7: Garnish with extra Romano cheese or fresh basil if desired, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid pre-minced garlic for a more vibrant taste.
Substitute Romano cheese with Parmesan if preferred, or mix both for extra depth.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black cast iron skillet filled with creamy penne pasta, coated in a pale pink sauce. The pasta is mixed with small pieces of wilted green spinach and bits of red tomatoes scattered throughout. The penne has a smooth texture and is evenly covered with the sauce, showing some specks of black pepper. A wooden spoon is partially visible in the pan, resting among the pasta. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well with this sauce, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the package.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil, use a non-dairy cream alternative, and replace Romano cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.