Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. With a rich sauce made from fresh garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight 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

1. Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 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.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter, fresher taste.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a fresh herbal note.

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 pasta water to restore creaminess.

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 a variety of pasta shapes like spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne. Choose your favorite for the best texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. To keep it vegetarian, ensure your Parmesan cheese is free from animal rennet or use a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 56 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta features perfectly cooked penne or fettuccine tossed in a rich and luscious sauce made from sautéed garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, comforting meal that balances robust tomato flavors with creamy textures, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water for later use.
2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Diced Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a perfect silky texture. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
• Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce thickness if it becomes too thick.
• This dish can be garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.

Keywords: Creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, Italian pasta dish, penne pasta, fettuccine pasta, Parmesan cream sauce