If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, elegance, and a burst of fresh flavors, then this Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Imagine tender pasta shells brimming with a velvety cream cheese and tomato mixture, kissed by fragrant basil and garlic, all baked to golden perfection under a blanket of savory Parmesan. It’s rich yet bright, simple yet impressive—a real crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe depends on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of creamy texture, fresh herbaceous notes, and light acidity. These essentials come together to elevate the dish without overshadowing the comforting, homemade quality.
- Large pasta shells (8): These are the perfect little vessels to hold all that delicious filling.
- Cream cheese (1 cup, softened): Provides the luscious, creamy base for the stuffing, adding richness and smooth texture.
- Crushed tomatoes (14 oz can): Brings brightness and a hint of natural sweetness for that classic tomato flavor.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): A fragrant punch that enhances every bite with its warm savoriness.
- Fresh basil (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a vibrant, peppery freshness essential to this recipe’s Italian spirit.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): A salty, nutty topping that melts beautifully over the baked shells.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the garlic and deepen the sauce’s flavor with its fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that balance and enhance every element of the dish.
How to Make Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta shells. Cook them just until al dente—soft but still firm to the bite—because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain the shells and set them aside carefully so they’re ready for stuffing.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Basil Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese with crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy with a lovely tomato tint. This filling is rich but fresh, perfectly marrying the creaminess with bright herb and tomato notes.
Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Using a spoon, gently fill each of your cooked pasta shells with the creamy tomato basil mixture. Be generous but careful—you want each shell packed full of that luscious filling without it oozing out too much. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a baking dish, ready for their final cooking stage.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté a little extra garlic until you can’t resist the enticing aroma. Pour in the remaining crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes. This quick simmer deepens the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce to coat the pasta shells beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread half of your tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top of this base layer, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over them. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously across the top to create that irresistible golden crust. Bake the dish uncovered for about twenty minutes—you’ll know it’s done when everything is bubbling happily and the cheese is melted to perfection.
How to Serve Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, nothing beats fresh herbs. Scatter extra chopped basil or a handful of fresh parsley on top to boost that inviting aroma and give your dish a splash of vibrant green color. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving can add a subtle sheen and even more flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast, while garlic bread or a crusty baguette helps soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also bring nice texture and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate presentation? Serve the shells in individual mini casserole dishes or on pretty plates with a spoonful of sauce artistically drizzled around the edges. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving can also add an unexpected crunch and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed shells keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day. Be sure to cover the pasta with some sauce before storing to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
This Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is freezer-friendly too. Arrange the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to two months. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen shells overnight in the fridge for best results. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave portions for a quicker fix, but the oven helps maintain the dish’s lovely baked texture and cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta is a great substitute if you prefer a lighter texture, or you can mix it with cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just keep the balance so the filling stays smooth and rich.
Do I need to cook the pasta shells fully before stuffing?
Yes, cooking them al dente ensures they are firm but pliable enough to hold the filling and finish cooking perfectly during baking without becoming mushy.
Is fresh basil necessary or can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil makes a big difference in flavor and brightness. If you only have dried, use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated—about one-third the amount—and consider adding fresh herbs if possible for garnish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some substitutions—such as vegan cream cheese, dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and olive oil—you can adapt the recipe for a vegan lifestyle. The flavors will shift slightly but remain delicious!
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild, focusing on creamy and herbaceous flavors. If you love a kick, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some chopped fresh chili for a spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe enough if you want a comforting, flavorful meal that feels both special and approachable. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, sparking smiles and satisfied sighs with every bite. Give it a try—you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta features tender pasta shells filled with a luscious cream cheese and tomato mixture, layered with a savory garlic tomato sauce, and baked to bubbling perfection. Infused with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells
- 8 large pasta shells
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (for sautéing)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (remaining amount from the filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed pasta shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly for handling.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Stuff Pasta Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the prepared creamy tomato basil mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish evenly without overcrowding.
- Make Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the remaining crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble for Baking: Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through, and the cheese is slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use cream cheese softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- For a milder garlic flavor, adjust the amount of garlic used in the filling and sauce.
- To save time, you can prepare the filling earlier and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
