Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together rich flavors and simple ingredients in one delightful dish. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your family, this recipe balances juicy ground beef, fresh basil, and a luscious tomato cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of savory, creamy, and fresh makes this pasta a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of satisfying flavors.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly without fuss.
• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic makes every bite irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: Ground beef and pasta are always a hit with kids and adults alike, making this a go-to meal for busy households.
• Versatile: You can use penne or rotini pasta, whichever you have on hand, and customize with your favorite cheese or herbs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or dinners.
• Comfort Food with a Fresh Twist: The fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic element that elevates the classic beef pasta.

What Goes Into Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Choose your favorite shape to hold onto the sauce.
• 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and richness.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh tomato base for the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brings brightness and herbaceous flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic depth.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing and flavor.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Complements the tomato and beef with a hint of earthiness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• Parmesan cheese for serving: Adds a salty, nutty finish.

Setup & Equipment

• Large pot: To boil the pasta.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the beef and making the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the ingredients without scratching your pan.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop onion, garlic, and basil.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

Cook Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Like This

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Brown the beef

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add tomatoes and simmer

Pour in the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.

Step 5: Stir in cream and basil

Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the chopped fresh basil and mix well. Allow the sauce to warm through for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy tomato basil beef sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.

Step 7: Serve and garnish

Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with a few whole basil leaves.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a creamy texture without dairy.
• Gluten-free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini varieties.
• Garlic or onion intolerance: Use garlic-infused olive oil and omit onions, or replace with chopped celery for subtle flavor.
• Cheese alternatives: Nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan-style toppings work well for those avoiding dairy.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

This recipe was inspired by classic Italian flavors but tailored for simplicity and heartiness. The use of fresh basil adds a bright contrast to the creamy tomato sauce, which is often overlooked in traditional beef pasta dishes. If you’d like to explore more tomato-based dishes, consider trying a Simple Homemade Tomato Soup next, which shares some of the same fresh ingredients with a cozy twist.

Using diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce keeps the texture chunky and vibrant, which pairs beautifully with the bite-sized penne or rotini. The heavy cream balances the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every pasta piece.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

• Cooling: Allow the pasta to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container to avoid condensation.
• Storing: Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen but may lose some texture; freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

Ask & Learn

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will work beautifully with the creamy tomato basil sauce. Just adjust cooking time as poultry cooks faster than beef.

Is fresh basil necessary or can I use dried basil?

Fresh basil provides a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried basil can’t quite match. If you don’t have fresh, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavor to infuse properly.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider stirring in red pepper flakes when you add the garlic or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the sauce. Fresh chopped chili peppers can also be sautéed with the onions for a spicy kick.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally during cooking. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil or add it immediately to the sauce to keep it from sticking together.

More from the Kitchen

• Sticky Honey Soy Beef Stir Fry In for a quick and flavorful beef dish with an Asian twist.
• Simple Homemade Tomato Soup to enjoy a cozy, fresh tomato recipe.
• Easy One-Pot Chicken Pasta for a fuss-free family meal.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta to indulge in a seafood pasta delight.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tomato Basil Beef Pasta is a beautifully balanced dish that combines hearty ground beef with a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce and fresh basil for a touch of brightness. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the steps are simple enough for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re craving comfort food or wanting a new pasta recipe to add to your rotation, this dish delivers every time. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

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