Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a luscious sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cream, it’s both comforting and elegant. Ready in just 25 minutes, it serves four and pairs beautifully with a simple salad.
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
- Step 1: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce slightly.
- Include cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if 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. Use about one cup and drain excess liquid for a thicker sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich tomato and garlic cream sauce, flavored with fresh basil and olive oil, it offers comforting flavors with minimal effort in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add tomatoes and season: Add the diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream into the tomato mixture until the sauce is fully blended and creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each strand evenly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Finish and serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished generously with freshly chopped basil. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; cherry tomatoes halved also work well.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta sauce, creamy pasta
