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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

5 from 77 reviews

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.

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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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