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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 139 reviews

A rich and flavorful creamy tomato garlic pasta featuring al dente pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-infused tomato sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines simple ingredients into a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. This ensures the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, approximately 2 minutes, which infuses the oil with aromatic garlic flavor.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet. Simmer them for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken.
  4. Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes to meld with the tomatoes and create a creamy texture.
  5. Add Parmesan and Season: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the flavors.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Toss the pasta with the creamy tomato sauce, adding reserved cooking water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy tomato garlic pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added cheesy touch.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Fresh basil or parsley can be added as a garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Reserve pasta water thoughtfully; it helps in adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.

Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, creamy pasta sauce