15 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Aug 10, 2023
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Today I'm sharing with you my recipe for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that comes together in 15 minutes, including prep time. It's a little creamy, a little spicy, and 100% delicious.
If you follow this blog or my Instagram/TikTok then I'm sure you know that I LOVE pasta! As much as I love cooking, some days I'm just not in the mood to go grocery shopping or spend a lot of time cooking. If that ever happens to you, then consider saving this 15 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe for the next time you need a super quick, easy, and satisfying meal!
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil - I love the Graza Sizzle & Drizzle olive oil! I use "Sizzle" to cook and "Drizzle" as a finishing oil when I serve. Get $5 off with code "CAROLBEECOOKS"
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 28 oz Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes - I love to keep a can of the Trader Joe's Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes on hand. It's great for pizza, pasta, soup, etc.
- 3/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes - I like spice so I go pretty heavy-handed with the red pepper flakes, but use less or omit if you don't like spice
- 10 leaves Fresh Basil - use some additional basil to serve!
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 12 oz Pasta - any pasta would work well for this recipe. I used Farfalle. I added the cooked pasta directly to the sauce with a slotted spoon. Make sure you set aside a little pasta water if you drain the pasta before adding to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup Whipped Cream Cheese - you could also use regular cream cheese, mascarpone, or heavy cream. Adjust the amount as needed depending on what ingredient you use and your desired creaminess level.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated is best!
Recipe Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, high-rimmed saute pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add red pepper flakes, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while the pasta cooks.
- Turn the heat to low and add the whipped cream cheese. Stir until melted and completely combined. Transfer over the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine. Add splashes of pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Divide among bowls. Serve with parmesan cheese, additional fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil as desired.
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This recipe is the definition of quick and easy! If you have just a few pantry staple ingredients on hand and 15 minutes to spare, you can have the most satisfying meal. This recipe is easily modifiable - add additional seasoning, add some protein like chicken or shrimp, add some vegetables like baby spinach.
If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
15 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 28 oz Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes, can also use regular crushed tomatoes and add additional seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, use less or omit if you don't like spice
- 10 leaves Fresh Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt, add more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 12 oz Pasta, I used Farfalle; reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water
- 1/3 cup Whipped Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated; to serve
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, high-rimmed saute pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add red pepper flakes, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while the pasta cooks.
- Turn the heat to low and add the whipped cream cheese. Stir until melted and completely combined. Transfer over the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine. Add splashes of pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Divide among bowls. Serve with parmesan cheese, additional fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil as desired.
Video
@carolbeecooks Dinner in just 15 MINUTES! Does that sound good to you? You just need EVOO, garlic, canned tomatoes, red pepper flakes, S&P, basil, cream cheese, and pasta. This is super customizable as well so add or omit ingredients as needed. Save this video for the next time you need a super quick, easy, and satisfying dinner! #pasta #pastatiktok #15minutemeals #creamytomatopasta
♬ Best Time - Infraction Music
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
