Tomato Cream Penne with Parmesan and Basil

Tomato Cream Penne with Parmesan and Basil is a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the bright, tangy flavor of tomatoes. The silky sauce perfectly coats every piece of penne, while fragrant basil and freshly grated Parmesan add layers of Italian charm.

It’s the ideal middle ground between a classic marinara and a decadent Alfredo — a creamy tomato sauce that’s balanced, smooth, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this pasta never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s simple yet elegant — it feels fancy without being fussy. The balance of tomato acidity and creamy smoothness creates an unbelievably rich sauce that tastes like something straight from a trattoria.

The penne pasta perfectly holds the sauce, while Parmesan melts into every bite, and the basil gives a fresh, aromatic finish. I love how it comes together in under 30 minutes but delivers a flavor that tastes like it simmered all day.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can serve it as a vegetarian main, or toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of tangy tomato and creamy sauce.
• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Customizable: Works with chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
• Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Restaurant flavor at home with simple ingredients.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~480 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Tomato Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan shavings
• Fresh basil leaves

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook penne pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, seasoning, and simmer.
4. Stir in cream and Parmesan to make the sauce.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta and fresh basil.
6. Serve warm with extra cheese on top.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Base

• Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

• Pour in crushed tomatoes.
• Add red chili flakes (if using), sugar, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Stir well and let it simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to deepen.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully combined and the sauce turns a light orange-pink color.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
• Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

• Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet.
• Toss gently until all pasta is well coated with sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add Basil and Serve

• Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
• Remove from heat.
• Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and basil for garnish.

How to Serve

Serve Tomato Cream Penne immediately while warm.

Serving Suggestions:

• With garlic bread or bruschetta
• Alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables
• With a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal
• Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh basil — it adds unmatched aroma and freshness.
• Balance the acidity: A small amount of sugar helps mellow out sharp tomato flavors.
• Cream alternatives: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Don’t overheat the cream: Add it off the boil to prevent curdling.
• Reserve pasta water: It’s a natural thickener and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Recipe Variations

1. Tomato Cream Penne with Chicken: Add grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
2. Shrimp Tomato Penne: Sauté shrimp in butter and toss into the finished pasta.
3. Vegetarian Delight: Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
4. Spicy Arrabbiata Twist: Increase red chili flakes for a fiery version.
5. Vodka Cream Penne: Add 2 tbsp vodka before the cream for a classic Penne alla Vodka flair.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

• Can be frozen (without basil) for up to 2 months.
• Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat over low heat while stirring gently.
• Add fresh basil after reheating for best flavor.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine grater for Parmesan
• Colander for draining pasta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with milk and 1 tbsp cream cheese for a lighter version.

Q2. What type of pasta works best?
Penne works great because it holds the sauce inside its tubes, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work beautifully.

Q3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes — use coconut cream or oat cream, skip Parmesan, and use nutritional yeast for flavor.

Q4. How can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while simmering the sauce.

Q5. Why add sugar to tomato sauce?
A small amount balances the natural acidity of tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.

Conclusion

Tomato Cream Penne with Parmesan and Basil is the ultimate comfort pasta — creamy, tangy, and irresistibly flavorful. Every bite feels like a warm hug, wrapped in velvety sauce and sprinkled with aromatic basil and cheese.

It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. With its perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, this pasta will quickly become one of your favorite go-to Italian dishes.