![- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast The key to this dish is its simple, fresh ingredients. The penne pasta serves as the base, soaking up all the wonderful flavors. Olive oil adds richness, while minced garlic gives a fragrant kick. You can use canned diced tomatoes for convenience. They bring a burst of flavor without much fuss. For liquids, vegetable broth enhances the taste and keeps it plant-based. The heavy cream or coconut cream creates that creamy texture we all love. This balance of flavors makes the dish truly delightful. Fresh ingredients are essential too. Dried basil adds a hint of earthiness, while fresh basil leaves bring a vibrant color and burst of freshness. The grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast finishes the dish with a savory touch. If you're curious about the full process, check the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning. 3. Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour it into the pot without draining. 4. Add the vegetable broth and dried basil. Stir everything together well. 1. Now, add the penne pasta to the pot. 2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 3. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. 4. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. 1. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. 2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes. 3. Incorporate the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta! - Best practices for sautéing garlic: Start with a cold pan. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Heat over medium. Stir often. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Watch it closely! Garlic can burn fast. Burnt garlic tastes bitter. - Ensuring perfect pasta texture: Use a timer! Cook the penne for 10-12 minutes. Stir it a few times to avoid sticking. Check for al dente texture. The pasta should be firm but not hard. This ensures it absorbs the sauce well. - Suggestions for additional herbs: Add more herbs for extra flavor. Try oregano, thyme, or parsley. Fresh herbs add brightness. Dried herbs work too but use less. They are stronger in taste. - Adjusting creaminess and richness levels: For a creamier dish, use more heavy cream. If you want it lighter, use coconut cream or less cream. You can also add more broth for a thinner sauce. Adjust to your taste! - Ideal pairings and sides: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A crisp green salad complements the pasta well. You could also pair it with roasted veggies for a healthy side. - Presentation tips for a beautiful dish: Use a large bowl for serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. This makes the dish look inviting and fresh! A pretty dish is more enjoyable to eat. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This change keeps the dish rich and creamy while being plant-based. For those on a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook up similarly to regular pasta. Feel free to switch up the vegetables in this recipe. You can add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These swaps add color and nutrients to your meal. If you want to change the cheese, try goat cheese or feta for a tangy taste. Nutritional yeast also works well for a cheesy flavor if you go vegan. Want to boost the protein? Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pot. This extra step makes the dish more filling. You can also mix in spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for unique flavors. These small additions can transform your creamy tomato basil pasta into a new dish every time. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta section above. To store your creamy tomato basil pasta, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This helps bring back its creamy texture. You can freeze this dish for later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay good in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little cream or broth to keep it smooth. Refrigerated pasta lasts about three days. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within two months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it has an off smell or strange color, it's best to toss it. Keeping an eye on these details helps you enjoy your meal safely. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. One-pot cooking means you prepare a full meal in one pot. This method saves time and effort. You chop, cook, and serve all in the same container. The biggest advantage? You reduce clean-up! Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, all the flavors blend well when cooked together. This makes dishes like One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta so tasty and satisfying. Yes, you can make this pasta ahead of time. Meal prep is easy with one-pot meals. Cook the dish as usual, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for about three days. When you want to eat, just reheat. This makes it perfect for busy days or quick dinners. To reheat leftover pasta, use low heat on the stove. Add a little water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl, add a splash of water, and cover it. Heat for about one minute at a time, stirring in between. This way, you keep the creamy texture of the sauce. This dish combines simple ingredients and easy steps to create a delightful meal. We covered everything from cooking techniques to flavorful variations. You learned how to enhance flavors and store leftovers to keep them fresh. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Try different ingredients to make this dish your own. Enjoy serving it at home or bringing it to gatherings. Happy cooking!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5e9da98b-b501-41d2-ae05-1ef2ea4ad8b7.webp)
Ingredients
Method
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried basil to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add in the penne pasta. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve warm, garnishing each portion with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.
Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings