Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta for Two
A quick and easy creamy tomato basil pasta recipe perfect for cozy dinners, featuring a rich cream sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal for two.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, linguine, or fusilli)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes (canned, San Marzano recommended)
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (full-fat)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 2 tsp dried basil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir to combine with garlic, and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Warm through for 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Drain pasta without rinsing and immediately add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup chopped fresh basil. Toss until cheese melts and basil is evenly distributed. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and let pasta sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce and marry flavors.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil leaves for garnish.
Notes
Save some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve flavor and color. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (half the re
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 18
Keywords: creamy tomato basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, cozy dinner, quick pasta, homemade pasta sauce, basil pasta, comfort food