If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and smooth, luscious texture, this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is your next go-to comfort food. Imagine perfectly cooked penne, wrapped lovingly in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and a hint of garlic. It’s an effortless meal that feels indulgent but comes together with simple pantry staples, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike. Each bite is a delightful harmony of herbaceous brightness, velvety cream, and savory parmesan that will keep everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a memorable pasta dish, keeping the ingredients simple and fresh is key. Each component of this recipe has its own role, contributing to the depth of flavor, the soothing texture, or the vibrant color that makes this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 lb penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a mild sweetness and a flavorful base.
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce: A ready-made sauce packed with real tomato and fresh basil flavors.
- Dash of sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce that irresistible creamy texture and rich finish.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the dish.
- Fresh basil, for topping: Provides a burst of herbal freshness for a beautiful finish.
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. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This step lays the foundation for the flavor, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Add a dash of sugar, and season with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Let the sauce cook on low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken beautifully, enhancing the richness without any extra fuss.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — tender but still with a slight bite to perfect texture contrast. Be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy water becomes your secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Step 4: Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened and your kitchen smells heavenly, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce turns irresistibly smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. These final touches bring the signature richness and umami goodness that define this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained penne directly into the creamy sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is beautifully coated. If you find the sauce too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your ideal luscious consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by topping your pasta with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately while hot, and don’t be shy about sprinkling extra parmesan or basil on top to make it even more inviting. This dish looks as good as it tastes and it will quickly become a family favorite!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves not only lifts the dish visually but also adds a refreshing aroma that complements the creamy tomato sauce perfectly. Sprinkle extra grated parmesan for a nutty savoriness and a touch of cracked black pepper for a slight edge. For a dash of elegance, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil is a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini bring texture and subtle sweetness, creating a balanced, appetizing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe extra special, try serving it in individual bowls topped with a basil sprig and a twist of lemon zest for brightness. For gatherings, serve it family-style in a large, colorful ceramic dish to invite everyone in. Adding edible flowers on top can elevate it into an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for more formal occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta dish keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty leftover meal. Just be sure to store the cream sauce mixture separately from the pasta if you can, to prevent the pasta from soaking and becoming mushy.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this creamy tomato sauce, as the texture can change slightly upon thawing. If you must freeze, place the sauce and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works as well but do it in short bursts and stir in between to keep the sauce smooth and avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully too. Just adjust cooking times according to the shape you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of traditional parmesan cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have Bertolli Tomato and Basil pasta sauce?
You can substitute with any good-quality tomato basil pasta sauce or make your own simple tomato sauce by blending cooked tomatoes with fresh basil and seasoning. Just be prepared to adjust cooking time accordingly to develop the flavors.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion or sprinkle a bit on top as a garnish. It gives a nice kick that balances the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge, then cook the pasta fresh just before serving. Tossing freshly cooked pasta with the pre-made sauce ensures the best texture and flavor for your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you can turn to anytime you want a meal that feels both comforting and a little special without hours in the kitchen. It balances fresh, vibrant flavors with creamy indulgence and is endlessly adaptable. I truly believe once you try it, you’ll find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy that perfect bowl of pasta happiness!
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Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta recipe that combines a flavorful store-bought tomato basil sauce with fresh ingredients, simmered to perfection and finished with heavy cream and parmesan. Perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced small
- 1 jar Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
- Dash of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 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 about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, making sure 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 to combine, then cook the sauce on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and let the sauce thicken.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, 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 pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the creamy pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with extra parmesan and basil.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Be careful not to burn garlic when sautéing as it can become bitter.
- Simmering the sauce allows flavors to develop and thicken the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
