why make this recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the rich taste of tomatoes and garlic with a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. This recipe makes you feel satisfied and happy with every bite.
how to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 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
Directions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water; combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
how to serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta hot, straight from the pan. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. It goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
how to store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy.
tips to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water; it helps to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Adjust the richness by using half and half instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
variation
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor. If you love spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese for a vegan version.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can add more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli and use whole grain pasta for added fiber.
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines rich tomatoes and garlic in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 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
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water; combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian