Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and simple dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and tomatoes with a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s both satisfying and easy to make with pantry staples.
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 the minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 7: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a fresh herb flavor.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well to hold the creamy sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
PrintCreamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines sautéed garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 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. This ensures that the pasta has a firm texture that holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes. This step infuses the oil with garlic flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the tomatoes reduce slightly and the flavors concentrate.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 2 minutes to combine and thicken slightly for a creamy texture.
- Add Cheese and Season: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully integrated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the overall flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water. Toss the pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust the sauce consistency and ensure it coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tomato garlic pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Keywords: tomato garlic pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy pasta sauce, Italian pasta, penne pasta, fettuccine, homemade pasta sauce
