Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. The rich tomato sauce combined with garlic and Parmesan creates a deliciously creamy pasta experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare all ingredients by measuring pasta, olive oil, and spices. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese. Open the diced tomatoes and set aside. Chop fresh basil if using.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Add diced tomatoes with juice and cook for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato garlic pasta!
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, try mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season instead of canned for a lighter flavor.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, adjusting thickness as needed.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
- Reserve a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use a plant-based cream substitute and vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Also, ensure your pasta contains no eggs.
PrintCreamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a luscious and aromatic dish that combines tender pasta with a rich and flavorful tomato garlic cream sauce. This simple, comforting recipe features the sweetness of diced tomatoes, the warmth of garlic, and the indulgence of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal with loved ones, it’s garnished with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preparing the Ingredients: Measure all your ingredients, finely mince the garlic, open the can of diced tomatoes, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop fresh basil if using. Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking.
- Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Making the Creamy Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, stir, and cook for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, add dried basil and oregano, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Final Touches and Serving: Serve the pasta immediately for optimal taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, adding a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious creamy tomato garlic pasta with friends or family!
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite (al dente).
- Be careful when sautéing garlic to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Use heavy cream for richness; for a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Fresh basil leaves add vibrant color and complement the flavors, but are optional.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with nutritional yeast.
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Pasta, Garlic Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Easy Pasta Dish, Vegetarian Pasta, Creamy Tomato Sauce
