How to Make the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Beginner-Friendly!)
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1 photo There’s something magical about the combination of tomatoes, basil, and pasta simmering together in one pot. It’s the kind of aroma that warms a kitchen long before dinner hits the table. This dish has become a quiet tradition in my home — the recipe I turn to on nights when everyone needs comfort without complication.
The tomatoes break down into a velvety sauce, the basil adds a bright whisper of freshness, and the cream turns everything luxurious without being heavy. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, a gentle pause after a long day, one that brings people together with very little effort. And maybe that’s why it’s become a favorite: it’s simple, honest, and soothing.
More than anything, this pasta reminds me that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. Every time I stir the pot, watching the sauce thicken and the cheese melt, I’m reminded of the beauty of slowing down — even just long enough to savor a bowl of something warm and homemade.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta:
Step-1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add shallots, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté 5–6 minutes until the tomatoes burst. A Cuisinart Silicone Spatula makes stirring easy, but any spatula works.
Step-2
Add the canned petite diced tomatoes and let them cook 1–2 minutes. Break them down with your spatula or use an immersion blender to puree part of the sauce.
Step-3
Add the dry pasta and stir to coat it in the tomato mixture. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook 8–12 minutes until al dente. A KitchenAid Classic Whisk helps quickly mix in the seasonings, though a regular spoon works fine.
Step-4
Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt for about 1 minute.
Step-5
Add mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil. Stir until melted and creamy. A OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl is helpful for prepping ingredients, but any bowl is perfectly fine.
How to Make the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Beginner-Friendly!)
A comforting, rich, and vibrant pasta made with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, cream, and cheese — all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
- Sauté shallots, garlic, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook briefly.
- Add pasta, water, and seasonings. Cook until al dente.
- Stir in cream and spinach until wilted.
- Add mozzarella, parmesan, and basil. Stir and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 650mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 72g24%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 18g36%
- Vitamin A 950 IU
- Vitamin C 22 mg
- Calcium 310 mg
- Iron 3.2 mg
- Vitamin D 1 mg
- Vitamin E 1.5 mg
- Vitamin K 42 mcg
- Thiamin 0.32 mg
- Riboflavin 0.28 mg
- Niacin 4.1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.34 mg
- Folate 180 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.6 mcg
- Biotin 5 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.9 mg
- Phosphorus 260 mg
- Iodine 22 mcg
- Magnesium 55 mg
- Zinc 1.8 mg
- Selenium 28 mcg
- Copper 0.18 mg
- Manganese 0.52 mg
- Chromium 8 mcg
- Molybdenum 12 mcg
- Chloride 520 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or cream when reheating. - Substitutions:
Use canned whole tomatoes instead of diced, half-and-half instead of cream, or kale instead of spinach. - Serving ideas:
Top with extra basil, serve with garlic bread, or pair with a light green salad. - Mistakes to avoid:
Don’t overcook the pasta; don’t add cheese before the spinach wilts; avoid high heat after adding cream. - Chef tips:
Reserve a bit of pasta water for extra creaminess, and chop basil right before serving for maximum aroma.
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