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If you have a craving for something comforting yet vibrant, the Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. This dish marries the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce with the rich silkiness of cream and the fresh, aromatic punch of basil, all wrapped around perfectly tender penne pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet but is surprisingly straightforward to make, turning simple ingredients into a luscious, soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be humble, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe to life. From the slight sweetness of sautéed onions to the creamy tang of parmesan, these essentials give you layers of flavor and texture that make every bite irresistible.
- Penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce with every forkful.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics gently.
- Small onion, diced: Offers a mild sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic, diced small: Brings a fragrant kick that complements the tomato base.
- Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce: A flavorful, ready-made sauce packed with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for convenience and quality.
- Dash of sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce for smoothness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out every element.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that defines this creamy pasta.
- Grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, savory finish and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Fresh basil, for topping: Provides bright, herbal freshness just before serving.
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. Toss in your diced onion and garlic, cooking them just until they turn translucent and fragrant. This small step builds the flavor base and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, setting the stage for the sauce to come.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a gentle dash of sugar along with salt and pepper to taste, stirring these into the sauce. Let it simmer slowly on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial for marrying flavors and thickening the sauce to a perfect consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is soaking up all that flavor, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; it will come in handy to loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 4: Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese
Once your tomato and basil sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by grated parmesan cheese. This is the magic moment when the sauce transforms into the creamy richness that defines this recipe, with the parmesan adding a beautifully savory depth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add your drained penne straight into the luscious sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so every piece of pasta is beautifully coated. If the sauce feels too thick or clings too tightly, gently stir in some of the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your preferred creamy texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
The final touch to this Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe is fresh basil sprinkled over the top. This adds a pop of color and bright herbal notes. Serve immediately while the dish is hot, optionally finishing with extra parmesan for that perfect cheesy hit.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the star garnish here, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy tomato sauce. A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan not only looks inviting but amplifies the cheesy flavor. For a little texture, you can also add a few crunchy toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, perhaps with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is another wonderful companion, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce and rounding out the meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve the pasta family-style straight from the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. If you’re entertaining, plate individual portions with a delicate twirl of pasta on each plate, garnished carefully with basil leaves and a light dusting of parmesan. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the look for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making for an excellent second-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately. The creamy sauce may alter slightly in texture after freezing, so thaw gently in the fridge overnight and stir well before reheating to bring back its silky consistency.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain that creamy texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle would work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for al dente perfection.
Is it necessary to use jarred sauce, or can I make it from scratch?
You can definitely make your own tomato and basil sauce if you prefer. The jarred Bertolli sauce provides convenience and consistent flavor, but fresh tomato sauce simmered with garlic and fresh basil would be delicious too.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and velvety as with heavy cream. For dairy-free options, coconut cream works, but it will add a slight coconut flavor.
How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
If sweetness helps win over little ones, slightly increase the dash of sugar or add a pinch of grated carrot to the sauce as it simmers. Also, fewer garlic cloves or finely minced garlic can soften the flavor without losing the aroma.
What can I do to make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan twist, choose a plant-based cream substitute and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Use olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing, and be sure your pasta does not contain eggs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta Recipe — it’s comfort food that feels elevated, with simple ingredients coming together to create something worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish promises to be a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
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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 is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce made from sautéed aromatics, Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Fresh basil finishes the dish, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
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 (about 24 oz)
- Dash of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped, 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 fragrant and translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of Bertolli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce. Add a dash of sugar along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors and 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 before draining the pasta well.
- Finish Sauce with Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the creamy pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot. For extra flavor, optionally garnish with additional parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily.
- Do not overcook garlic during sauté to prevent bitterness.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and creaminess.
- Simmering the sauce slowly enhances depth and richness.
- This dish can be made vegetarian if the pasta sauce and parmesan comply with dietary preferences.
