why make this recipe
This pasta cooks fast. It tastes rich and fresh. The sauce uses simple ingredients you likely have. It feels like a comfort meal but stays light. If you like creamy pasta, you may also enjoy the Cheddar Ranch Pasta recipe for another easy dinner idea.
introduction
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a quick, tasty dish. It uses garlic, ripe tomatoes, and cream to make a smooth sauce. You can make it in about 20 minutes. The recipe works well for weeknights and for guests.
how to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Follow the steps below and work simply. Heat the oil, cook the garlic until golden, add the tomatoes, then stir in cream. Mix the hot pasta into the sauce so it absorbs the flavor. For a spicier or meaty version, you can try a recipe like Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and adapt the spices.
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
Directions :
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Serve hot on warm plates. Add grated Parmesan if you like. A light salad or steamed vegetables make a good side. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
how to store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Do not burn the garlic; cook it until it is light golden. Warm the cream slightly before adding so the sauce mixes smoothly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. For a richer taste, stir in a bit of butter at the end. For another hearty pairing idea, see the garlic butter steak bites pasta recipe.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for protein.
- Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: Yes. Use diced canned tomatoes and drain some juice if the sauce becomes too thin.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Yes. Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute. The taste will change but it will still be creamy.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make the sauce ahead and reheat it. Store sauce and pasta separately for best texture.
Q: How do I keep the pasta from sticking after cooking?
A: Toss the pasta with a little olive oil or a small amount of the sauce right after draining.
Conclusion
For a different take on creamy tomato pasta, see this easy version at Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta – Salt & Lavender. You can also read another variation at Creamy Tomato Pasta – by Carolina Gelen – SCRAPS.
Print
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and tasty creamy pasta dish featuring garlic, ripe tomatoes, and cream, perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
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
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Do not burn the garlic; cook it until it is light golden. Warm the cream slightly before adding for a smooth sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
