You’ve Never Had Tomato Basil Penne This Good

Picture this: al dente penne swimming in a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce, kissed by fresh basil and garlic. Your fork twirls, your taste buds cheer, and your stomach immediately forgives you for all those sad desk lunches. This isn’t just pasta—it’s a 30-minute masterpiece that’ll make you question why you ever ordered takeout.

Whether you’re cooking for one or impressing a crowd, this dish delivers. Ready to upgrade your pasta game? Let’s go.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic lies in the balance.

Sweet tomatoes, rich cream, and aromatic basil create a sauce that’s neither too heavy nor too acidic. The penne? Perfect for trapping every drop of that velvety goodness.

Plus, it’s foolproof—no fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients. Just fast, flavorful, and borderline addictive. Even the pickiest eaters (looking at you, Karen from accounting) will ask for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz penne pasta (or whatever tube-shaped pasta you’ve got)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff, not the sad bottle dusting in your pantry)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because one is never enough)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (san Marzano if you’re fancy)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (this is not the time for skim milk)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (dried basil = sad sauce)
• 1 tsp sugar (to tame the tomatoes’ acidity)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, but don’t be shy)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for sprinkling like confetti)

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Penne

1. Cook the pasta. Boil penne in salted water until al dente.

   Drain, but save 1/2 cup pasta water—you’ll need it later. Pro tip: Undercook by 1 minute; it’ll finish in the sauce.

2. Sauté the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   Burn it, and you’ll regret everything.

3. Simmer the sauce. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where flavors get cozy.
4. Add the cream. Stir in heavy cream and basil.

   Taste. Adjust seasoning. Pretend you’re a Michelin chef for a second.

5. Combine everything. Toss in the cooked penne and Parmesan.

   Splash in pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until every noodle is coated like it’s wearing a designer coat.

6. Serve immediately. Top with extra basil and Parmesan. Accept compliments gracefully.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any)

Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container.

It’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to revive the creaminess. Freezing?

IMO, pasta textures get weird, but if you must, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why This Dish is a Winner

It’s quick, versatile, and universally loved. Packed with lycopene from tomatoes, calcium from dairy, and a happiness boost from carbs, it’s practically health food. (Okay, fine, moderation is key.) Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—minimal cleanup means more time for Netflix.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta. Mushy penne = culinary crime.
• Skimping on salt. Pasta water should taste like the sea.

  Fight me.

• Using pre-grated Parmesan. That sawdust-like stuff won’t melt properly. Freshly grated or bust.
• Adding basil too early. Fresh herbs lose their vibrancy if cooked too long. Stir them in at the end.

Swaps and Substitutions

No heavy cream?

Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Gluten-free penne works fine—just adjust cooking time. Swap basil for spinach or arugula if you’re in a pinch.

Vegan? Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast. FYI, it won’t taste identical, but it’ll still slap.

FAQs

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Sure, but the texture will be smoother.

Crushed tomatoes give the sauce body. If you use tomato sauce, simmer it longer to thicken.

Why add sugar to the sauce?

It balances the acidity of the tomatoes. If your tomatoes are already sweet, you can skip it.

Taste first—don’t trust the can.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the pasta will absorb the sauce. Reheat with extra liquid (water, cream, or broth) to loosen it up.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage are stellar additions. Cook them separately and toss in at the end.

Final Thoughts

This creamy tomato basil penne is the weeknight hero you deserve.

It’s simple enough for lazy dinners but impressive enough for date night. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to. Now go forth and twirl like nobody’s watching.