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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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