Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The rich tomato sauce blended with cream and Parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with your choice of pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let the mixture bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, herbal note.
- Try substituting the diced tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher texture.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short or long pasta like penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti works well with this creamy tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which are not vegan. You can substitute with plant-based cream and vegan cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
PrintCreamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
This creamy tomato pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente penne or fettuccine tossed in a rich sauce made with sautéed garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings together Italian-inspired flavors in a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Properly cooked pasta should be tender yet still firm to the bite.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, approximately 2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2 minutes to combine and heat through without curdling.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts fully into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato pasta while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture may be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or red pepper flakes when simmering the tomatoes.
- Reserve pasta water is great for adjusting sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for best melting and taste.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, penne pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce, easy Italian dinner, garlic tomato pasta
