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–+ servings
Close-up of creamy tomato basil pasta with penne noodles and fresh basil leaves.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Pantry Staples

This creamy tomato basil pasta is a comforting meal made with pantry staples. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner without a trip to the store.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Pasta Cooking Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz penne pasta
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Romano cheese grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Add the grated Romano cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove the sauce from the heat. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is easily adaptable. You can substitute Parmesan cheese for Romano, or use dried basil if fresh is not available. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

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