Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe - By Lactose-Free

Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe - By Lactose-Free is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by ExpressoRecipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $19.40 total, $4.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (about 150 g, diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes (prefer no‑salt added)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (loosely packed, torn)
  • 1 cup Clover No LAC Lactose‑Free Milk (whole‑milk style for richness)
  • 2 tablespoons Lactose‑Free Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta (or any short tube pasta)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/4 cup Lactose‑Free Parmesan Cheese (grated, optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and tear the basil leaves. Measure out all liquids and dry ingredients.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook al dente according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more, being careful not to brown.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 180°F

  4. Add Tomatoes

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°F

  5. Create Creamy Base

    Add the lactose‑free butter, stirring until melted. Then pour in the Clover No LAC lactose‑free milk, stirring continuously. Simmer for 3‑4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: 180°F

  6. Season and Finish Sauce

    Stir in the torn basil, salt, pepper, and optional lactose‑free Parmesan. Mix well and remove from heat.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky texture. Cook together for 2‑3 minutes so the starch helps thicken the sauce.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 180°F

  8. Serve

    Plate the pasta, garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of lactose‑free Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: lactose‑free, vegetarian

Allergens: dairy, gluten

Last updated: April 24, 2026

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Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Recipe - By Lactose-Free

Recipe by ExpressoRecipes

A comforting, creamy tomato and basil pasta made entirely lactose‑free using Clover No LAC lactose‑free milk and butter. Perfect for anyone with lactose intolerance who still craves a rich, velvety sauce.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
32m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.40
Total cost
$4.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté the onion until translucent but not browned.
  • Simmer the milk gently; avoid a rolling boil to prevent curdling.
  • Combine pasta with sauce while hot, using reserved pasta water to achieve the right thickness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby.
  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tomato basil pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Tomato‑based pasta sauces date back to 16th‑century Italy when tomatoes were first introduced from the New World. Combining tomatoes with fresh basil became a hallmark of Southern Italian cooking, and adding cream (or dairy substitutes) creates a richer, comfort‑food version popular in modern home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tomato basil pasta in Italy?

A

In Naples, the classic "Pomodoro" sauce is simple tomato, garlic, and basil. In the north, especially in Lazio, chefs often enrich the sauce with cream or butter, creating a velvety texture similar to this lactose‑free version. Some regions add pecorino or mozzarella for extra richness.

cultural
Q

How is creamy tomato basil pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served as a primo (first course) with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. Fresh basil leaves are added just before eating, and the dish is often accompanied by a light green salad and crusty bread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is creamy tomato basil pasta associated with in Italian culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, creamy tomato pasta is a popular comfort dish for family gatherings, weekend meals, and informal celebrations because it is quick, satisfying, and can be made in large batches for sharing.

cultural
Q

What makes this lactose‑free creamy tomato basil pasta special in Italian‑inspired cuisine?

A

The use of Clover No LAC lactose‑free milk and butter provides the same richness as traditional dairy without the digestive discomfort for lactose‑intolerant diners, allowing everyone to enjoy an authentic‑tasting creamy Italian sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tomato basil pasta?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic, letting the milk boil vigorously (which can cause curdling), and adding the pasta too early, which can make the sauce watery. Follow the critical steps: sauté onions gently, simmer milk low, and finish the dish by tossing hot pasta with the sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use lactose‑free butter and milk instead of regular dairy?

A

Lactose‑free butter and milk contain the same fat and protein structures as regular dairy, delivering the creamy mouthfeel while eliminating lactose, which can cause digestive issues for many people. This keeps the dish accessible without compromising flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make this creamy tomato basil pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. The sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. Cooked pasta can be stored separately and combined with the reheated sauce before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without separating. It will have a slightly thickened consistency that clings to the pasta, and the basil should be bright green, not wilted.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ExpressoRecipes specialize in?

A

ExpressoRecipes focuses on quick, comforting home‑cooked meals with a special emphasis on dietary adaptations such as lactose‑free, gluten‑free, and plant‑based versions of classic dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ExpressoRecipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

ExpressoRecipes blends traditional Italian flavors with modern dietary needs, often swapping out dairy or gluten while keeping authentic taste profiles. The channel also highlights budget‑friendly ingredients and meal‑prep tips, setting it apart from channels that stick strictly to classic recipes.

channel

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