There is something so comforting and indulgent about a rich, luscious pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe combines the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil with silky cream and savory parmesan to create an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe not only pleases the palate with its balance of tangy, creamy, and fresh notes but also comes together with simple ingredients that make it an approachable crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish promises to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is as straightforward as the recipe itself, and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this pasta shine.
- Penne pasta: The perfect sturdy, tubular shape to hold onto that creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and richness while sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a sweet aromatic base that softens as it cooks.
- Garlic cloves, diced small: Provides fragrant warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce: A flavorful pre-made sauce that offers authentic tomato and basil notes, saving you prep time.
- Dash of sugar: Just enough to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate every component.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that silky, dreamy texture that makes this dish special.
- Grated parmesan: Adds savory umami and a touch of nuttiness.
- Fresh basil: For a bright, fresh finish that complements the creamy tomato sauce.
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. Gently add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taking care not to burn the garlic ensures the sauce will have a mellow, inviting flavor.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, then add a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and thickens the sauce just enough to cling perfectly to your pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is gently bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, giving it that perfect balance of tender and firm. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; it will come in handy later to adjust your sauce consistency.
Step 4: Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese
Turn off your heat and stir the heavy cream directly into the sauce, followed by the grated parmesan. This step transforms your tomato base into a velvety, luxurious sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed, taking a moment to appreciate how the cream softens and rounds out the sauce’s flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained penne pasta to your sauce pan. Toss everything thoroughly so each piece of pasta gets coated in the creamy tomato and basil sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal consistency—smooth, glossy, and luscious.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh basil over the pasta for that fragrant burst of herbal freshness. Serve immediately while hot, and optionally, add an extra sprinkle of parmesan for a final touch that everyone will love.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil is the ultimate garnish, offering a vibrant pop of color and that unmistakable aromatic lift. Adding an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan just before serving brings a salty, savory accent that elevates the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic bread to sop up every last bit of the creamy tomato sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini would also complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve the pasta in individual bowls with basil leaves artistically placed on top and a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You can also set up a garnish station with parmesan shavings, extra basil, and cracked black pepper—letting guests customize their bowls adds a fun, personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as tasty the next day. Just be sure to keep it cold and reheat properly.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers for longer, freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. However, because of the cream content, the texture may shift slightly upon thawing, so gently reheat and stir well.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stove or microwave and stir frequently. Adding a splash of water or cream will help revive the sauce’s creamy consistency, ensuring every bite stays rich and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would work wonderfully too. Just cook according to the pasta’s instructions.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a plant-based parmesan alternative to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Can I make this sauce from scratch instead of using jarred sauce?
Definitely. A fresh tomato and basil sauce made from diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs will taste amazing if you have the time to simmer it down. The store-bought sauce is a timesaver but fresh works perfectly too.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the first step?
Keep the olive oil at medium heat and add the garlic after the onion has softened slightly. Stir frequently and remove from heat if you notice browning to keep the garlic’s flavor sweet and mild.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately in advance, then combine and finish the dish just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy. Reheat gently and add basil and parmesan at the last moment for maximum impact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and a little special, the Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is your go-to. It’s incredibly easy to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor that never fail to delight. Don’t hesitate to dive in, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious, creamy masterpiece.
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato and basil penne pasta recipe combines a rich tomato and basil pasta sauce with heavy cream and parmesan cheese for a velvety, flavorful dish. Easy to prepare in about 45 minutes, it features sautéed onions and garlic, simmered sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed together and topped with fresh basil for a comforting Italian-style meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 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
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
For Garnish
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce into the skillet. Add a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 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. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed and mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the creamy pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, add extra parmesan cheese and basil for garnish.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing as it can become bitter.
- Simmering the sauce slowly helps deepen the flavors and improve texture.
- Reserving pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil added just before serving gives the dish a bright herbal note.
- Use high-quality parmesan for best flavor impact.
