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To make creamy tomato basil penne, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 12 ounces penne pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish. The penne pasta provides a nice bite, while the creamy sauce gives it a luxurious touch. The crushed tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, and the garlic adds a lovely aroma. Fresh basil is key for that herbaceous note. When choosing your ingredients, opt for high-quality items. Use fresh basil that feels vibrant and fragrant. If you can find San Marzano tomatoes, they will enhance the sauce’s flavor. This dish is not just quick; it’s also packed with taste. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will elevate the dish further. The flavor is richer than pre-grated cheese. You can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. With these ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special yet is easy enough for any weeknight. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Place the pot on the stove over high heat. Once the water starts to boil, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This helps the sauce stick later. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, take a spacious skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it becomes fragrant and golden. Now, pour in a can of crushed tomatoes, about 14 ounces. Stir well to mix with the garlic. Let this simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This process deepens the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low. Carefully stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it thoroughly until the sauce becomes velvety and smooth. Then, add in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves. If you want a little heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend the flavors. Now, gradually add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each piece in that creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps to get your desired creaminess. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Serve the creamy tomato basil penne warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. - Tips for al dente pasta: Start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook for 10-12 minutes. Taste it a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - How to properly sauté garlic: Use a spacious skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add minced garlic. Stir it often for about one minute. You want it fragrant and golden but not burnt. - Suggestions for seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce as you cook. Add salt and black pepper gradually. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. - Adding red pepper flakes for spice: If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while mixing in the basil. This adds a nice kick to the creamy sauce. - Presentation tips for a restaurant-quality dish: Serve the pasta in a large bowl or individual plates. Top each with a fresh basil leaf. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. - Best garnishes to complement the meal: Finish with extra grated Parmesan cheese. It not only looks good but also adds rich flavor. Fresh basil leaves can make the dish pop with color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes will elevate the flavors of your dish significantly. If possible, opt for San Marzano tomatoes for their sweet and rich taste. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Adjust Creaminess: If your sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This starchy water not only thins the sauce but also helps it adhere better to the pasta. Garnish Wisely: For an elegant finish, garnish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and additional fresh basil leaves. This adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try different pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle work great too. For a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It adds a nice twist to the flavor. You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and flavor. If you want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp fits well in this dish. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of oregano or thyme. These herbs will enhance the tomato sauce. If you are vegetarian, this recipe is perfect as is. Just skip any meat add-ins. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good. Check the label to ensure they fit your diet. To keep your creamy tomato basil penne fresh, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results. These options seal well and make it easy to see your food. When reheating, the microwave works well. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the pasta moist. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of water or extra cream to the pan. Stir gently over low heat until warmed through. This helps refresh the sauce texture. Yes, you can freeze creamy tomato basil penne! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of cream if needed. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious. You can use half-and-half as a lighter option. This will keep the dish creamy but less rich. Another choice is coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Silken tofu blended until smooth also works well. You can even try Greek yogurt, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling. Cooked penne lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Always check for signs of spoilage before using. Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just cook the penne fresh before serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. Reheat the sauce on low heat before mixing in the pasta. You can serve it with a simple green salad. A Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread pairs perfectly too. For a light touch, try steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. They balance well with the creamy pasta. This blog post covered how to make creamy tomato basil penne. We discussed the key ingredients and provided clear steps for cooking. I shared tips for getting the best flavor and texture. You also learned about storage and ways to adapt the recipe for different diets. With these insights, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others!

Creamy Tomato Basil Penne

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano (14 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a spacious skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
  • Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, which helps deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and gently stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
  • Add the chopped fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes (if using) to the creamy tomato sauce, stirring well to infuse the flavors throughout.
  • Gradually introduce the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water, adjusting until you achieve your desired creaminess.
  • Fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts into the sauce, creating an irresistibly creamy texture. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
  • Serve the creamy tomato basil penne warm in bowls, garnishing each serving with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.

Notes

For a restaurant-quality look, serve in a large bowl or individual bowls with a basil leaf and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword basil, creamy, pasta, tomato