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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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