Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining fresh tomatoes and garlic with a rich cream sauce, it delivers comforting taste with minimal effort.
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 the 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 the minced garlic until golden brown and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
- Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated with the creamy tomato garlic mixture.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, concentrated flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
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 can be used in equal amounts to fresh tomatoes. Just drain excess liquid if necessary.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium or medium-low heat and watch closely, stirring often. Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so remove it from the heat once it becomes golden and fragrant.
PrintCreamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining al dente spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and creamy heavy cream. Enhanced with fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil, it’s an easy yet elegant pasta recipe perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
- Cook 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.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes golden brown and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream into the tomato mixture, blending well to create a creamy sauce. Let it cook gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato garlic sauce. Toss well to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy tomato garlic pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based milk.
- To boost flavor, you can add chili flakes when sautéing garlic for a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil if not available, but fresh herbs provide the best aroma and taste.
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best sauce consistency and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Keywords: Creamy tomato garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, spaghetti with cream sauce, vegetarian pasta
