Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of tomatoes with the smoothness of a creamy sauce. Infused with garlic and herbs, this pasta is an easy yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, blend fresh tomatoes and cook them down to a thick sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well, but any pasta will do.
Can I freeze this pasta?
The sauce can be frozen separately, but the pasta may become mushy upon reheating.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, milk, or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding the cream and stir continuously.
What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free milk alternative and nutritional yeast.
How do I enhance the flavor?
Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Conclusion
Creamy tomato garlic pasta is a deliciously simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving comfort food, this easy recipe will become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a creamy, garlicky, and flavorful pasta dish!
Print
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy one-pan meal made with buttery garlic, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy finish. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a side of garlic bread!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Cream & Cheese
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and omit Parmesan.
- Add Protein: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *