Creamy 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.
- Author: Lena
- 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
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
- 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