Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. With a luscious sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy.
5. Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta topped with fresh basil. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a more intense flavor and richer sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
• Add red pepper flakes during sautéing for a subtle spicy kick.
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese complements the dish beautifully.

Storage

Store any 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 as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work well and are a convenient alternative. Just drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

Is it possible to make this pasta vegan?

Absolutely. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich and creamy tomato garlic sauce. With fresh garlic sautéed to perfection, ripe diced tomatoes simmered gently, and finished with heavy cream and fresh basil, this recipe offers a comforting Italian-inspired meal ideal 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

Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce

• 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Tomatoes and Season: Add the diced ripe tomatoes into the skillet with garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer the mixture gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
4. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy. Let it heat through without boiling, maintaining a smooth consistency.
5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato garlic sauce. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy tomato garlic pasta and garnish generously with chopped fresh basil. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness and flavor before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
• Ensure garlic is sautéed gently to avoid bitterness from burning.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; canned diced tomatoes can be substituted if fresh are not available.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta sauce, creamy tomato sauce, garlic sauce pasta, weeknight dinner