When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini takes center stage. This delightful dish combines tender rotini pasta with a velvety tomato-basil sauce, creating a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe offers simplicity and rich flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini has a charm that works for any occasion. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your weekly menu:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Its creamy, flavorful sauce appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with gluten-free pasta or plant-based cream for dietary preferences.
- Versatile Pairing: Complements garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Delivers the satisfaction of dining out from the comfort of your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini lies in its simple yet effective technique:
- Layered Flavors: Sautéed onions and garlic form a robust aromatic base for the sauce.
- Balanced Acidity and Creaminess: Diced tomatoes bring a fresh tang, while heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious texture.
- Fresh and Dried Herbs: Italian seasoning provides depth, while fresh basil adds a burst of brightness.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: The rotini’s spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Pantry Staples
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: Short pasta like rotini or penne works best to hold the sauce.
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted or no-salt-added for variety.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon is enough to sauté the base ingredients.
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 small onion and 3 garlic cloves: Finely chopped for a fragrant and flavorful foundation.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Adds freshness and enhances the tomato flavor.
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy texture; cashew cream can be used for a lighter option.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for heat lovers.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper: To bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a half-cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Properly salting the pasta water is key to flavorful pasta.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- Choose Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan elevates the dish compared to pre-packaged options.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, use more cream; for a lighter version, substitute half the cream with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Enhance the Tomatoes: Roast the diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil for a deeper flavor before adding to the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini with these delicious pairings:
Sides
- Garlic Bread: Toasted with butter and garlic for the ultimate pasta companion.
- Green Salad: A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a hearty, wholesome side.
Drinks
- Sparkling water with a twist of lemon provides a refreshing balance.
Variations
Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini is wonderfully versatile. Here are some variations to suit your taste:
- Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Delight: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for a veggie-packed version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Alternative: Replace cream with unsweetened cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: The sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when serving for optimal texture.
Q: What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?
A: Penne, farfalle, or fusilli are great alternatives, as their shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini is the ultimate comfort food with a sophisticated touch. Its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and quick preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
With simple ingredients and a few cooking tips, you can bring restaurant-quality pasta to your home kitchen. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini will quickly become a family favorite.
Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and elegance on your plate!
Print
Creamy Tomato Basil Rotini: A Simple Yet Elegant Pasta Delight
Ingredients
– 12 ounces rotini or any short pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or unsweetened cashew cream for a lighter option
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
**Tip:** Pair this creamy pasta with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.
**Chef’s Tip:** To elevate the flavor, roast the diced tomatoes with olive oil and garlic before adding them to the sauce.