Quick Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta with Basil and Parmesan

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Italian

Servings

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

420

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta — especially when it comes together in just 20 minutes. This quick pasta recipe is proof that you don’t need hours to make a rich, satisfying, flavour-packed meal.

Featuring a creamy tomato garlic sauce, flecked with fresh basil and finished with Parmesan, it hits all the right notes of tangy, creamy, herby, and savoury. Best of all, it’s made with pantry staples and fresh add-ins you likely already have.

Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or trying to get dinner on the table after a long day, this recipe delivers without the stress. It’s easily customisable too: use any pasta shape you like, make it dairy-free with plant milk and vegan cheese, or spice it up with extra chilli flakes.

It’s the ultimate back-pocket dinner — comforting, quick, and delicious every single time. This is your weeknight saviour, pasta-style.

Image of Quick Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta with Basil and Parmesan

Ingredients

250g (9 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Directions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and chilli flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the cream and cook another 2 minutes until sauce is creamy and blended.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Stir in Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 420

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 17 grams; 22%
Saturated Fat: 8 grams; 40%
Cholesterol: 35 milligrams; 12%
Sodium: 420 milligrams; 18%
Carbs: 55 grams; 20%
Protein: 12 grams
Sugar: 7 grams
Fiber: 5 grams; 18%

Tips for Perfect Quick Pasta

Salt your pasta water generously — it seasons the pasta from the inside.
Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce.
Use fresh garlic — it makes a big flavour difference.
Don’t overcook pasta; al dente gives the best texture.
Simmer the tomato sauce to thicken and develop flavour.
Stir cream in after tomatoes simmer to prevent curdling.
Add Parmesan at the end for creamy richness.
Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note — don’t skip it!
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use high-quality canned tomatoes for better flavour depth.

Serve It With Suggestions

Garlic bread or focaccia
Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, or eggplant)
A side of steamed broccoli or green beans
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Grated extra Parmesan and black pepper
Chilli flakes or chilli oil drizzle
Fresh arugula tossed on top
Toasted pine nuts for texture
A poached egg for a creamy twist

FAQ's

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes — whole milk works, though the sauce will be a bit lighter.

Q: Can this be made vegan?
A: Absolutely — use plant cream and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Any short pasta like penne or fusilli, or even spaghetti, works well.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes — cooked chicken, ground beef, or shrimp are great add-ins.

Q: What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?
A: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer it longer or stir in a bit more cheese or a touch of pasta water.

Q: Can I freeze this quick pasta?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it — reheat gently with added cream or broth.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes — it's mild, creamy, and simple. Leave out the chilli for little ones.

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Quick Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta with Basil and Parmesan