Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe

This indulgent Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta combines the bright acidity of tomatoes with the richness of cream to create a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. The aromatic fresh basil and savory parmesan cheese elevate this simple dish into something truly special that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight Friendly: This pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy tomato sauce hits that perfect balance between rich and refreshing – even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
• Versatile Base: While delicious as is, this pasta can easily be customized with protein or vegetables to suit your preferences or whatever you have in the fridge.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making this a great last-minute dinner option.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Penne pasta: The tube shape is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce. The ridges on penne grab onto the sauce beautifully.
• Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce: This high-quality jarred sauce gives us a head start on flavor, making this recipe much quicker than starting from scratch.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics create the flavor foundation of our sauce. Dice them small so they melt into the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing our aromatics and adding a touch of richness.
• Sugar: Just a dash balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
• Heavy cream: Transforms the tomato sauce into something lusciously creamy and cuts the acidity.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce. Always use freshly grated for the best flavor and melting.
• Fresh basil: Brings a bright, aromatic finish to the dish that dried basil simply can’t match.
• Salt and pepper: Season to your preference, but remember the parmesan adds saltiness too.

Variations

Add Protein

Transform this into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or sautéed shrimp. Cook your protein separately and add it when combining the pasta with the sauce.

Vegetable Boost

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini make excellent additions. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms when cooking the onions; more delicate ones like spinach can be stirred in just before serving.

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for an intensified tomato flavor with a slightly chewy texture.

Cheese Variations

Try using half parmesan and half romano cheese, or drop in some fresh mozzarella at the end for delightful pockets of melty cheese.

How to Make Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta

Step 1: Create the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Develop the Sauce

Pour in the entire jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil sauce. Add a dash of sugar to balance the acidity, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – that starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish

Remove the sauce from heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until completely incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss until every piece is coated. Tear or chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it over the pasta. Serve immediately with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pasta Water Magic: The starchy pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency. Add it a little at a time until you reach the perfect texture.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Those 25-30 minutes of gentle simmering really develop the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can reduce it to 15 minutes, but the longer simmer produces a more robust sauce.
• Room Temperature Cream: Take your cream out of the refrigerator when you start cooking. Room temperature cream is less likely to curdle when added to the hot tomato sauce.
• Pasta Timing: Start cooking your pasta when the sauce has about 10 minutes left to simmer. This way, everything will be ready at the same time, and the pasta won’t sit and get sticky.
• Final Tasting: Always taste and adjust seasoning one final time after adding the cream and cheese, as these ingredients can change the salt balance.

How to Serve

Main Event

Serve this pasta in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of additional parmesan and fresh basil on top. The warm bowl keeps the creamy sauce from firming up too quickly.

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is also an excellent companion for soaking up any remaining sauce.

Wine Suggestion

A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato-based sauce beautifully. If you prefer white, try a dry Pinot Grigio.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled – this is normal.

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to make ahead and freeze, consider making the sauce without cream, freezing it, then adding the cream after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Cover the pan to help the pasta heat evenly without drying out. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne is traditional, any pasta that can trap sauce works beautifully. Fusilli, farfalle, and rigatoni are excellent alternatives. Smaller shapes like orecchiette can also work, though you might want to reduce the amount slightly.

Can I substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half with similar results, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. If using milk, reduce the amount to about 3/4 cup and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter or olive oil to maintain creaminess. Be especially careful not to let the sauce boil after adding milk, as it can curdle more easily.

My sauce is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?
For a sauce that’s too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a bit more parmesan cheese, which helps thicken the sauce as it melts.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. For the most authentic results, choose a coconut milk that doesn’t have a strong coconut flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta is one of those magical recipes that proves simplicity often delivers the most satisfying results. The balance of tangy tomatoes, rich cream, and fragrant basil creates a pasta dish that feels special enough for weekend dinners but easy enough for weeknights. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to pasta recipe – it certainly has in my kitchen!

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