Ah, Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta—this dish is pure comfort for the soul, don’t you think? I remember the first time I whipped this up for a cozy gathering with friends. The aroma of garlic mingling with ripe tomatoes wafted through the kitchen, instantly making everyone feel at home. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out! Plus, it’s uncomplicated and so satisfying, making it perfect for any night of the week—or for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful symphony of flavors. The fresh tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness, while the heavy cream softens everything into a velvety embrace. And garlic—ah, the glorious garlic—adds that irresistible savory punch. What makes this dish really special is its ability to transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria with just a few simple ingredients. In about 30 minutes, you can serve a meal that feels both elegant and homey.
Not to forget, the recipe is easily adaptable! You can enjoy it straight-up, just like I share below, or you can experiment by throwing in some vegetables or proteins. Overall, it’s a perfect excuse to gather around the dinner table with loved ones, and believe me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make—and how quickly it disappears!
Gather these ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: The type of pasta you choose really sets the stage. Spaghetti dances well with the creamy sauce, but fettuccine’s wide ribbons catch more of that heavenly mixture. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free if that suits your needs.
1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced): Fresh, juicy tomatoes are the star here. They’ll impart a natural sweetness and vibrant color. If you’re out of fresh ones, canned tomatoes are a great substitute; just make sure to drain them well.
1 cup heavy cream: This is where the creaminess comes from. It adds richness that makes the dish feel luxurious. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but the result won’t be quite as decadent.
4 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Fresh is key! Garlic elevates the flavor profile from boring to bold. If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t be shy—add an extra clove or two.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A good quality olive oil brings the whole dish together. It’s like the glue that binds the flavors.
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped): Fresh basil is the finishing touch that adds a herbaceous brightness. If you don’t have it, dried basil can work in a pinch—just use less.
Salt and pepper to taste: These basics will help you enhance all the flavors. Don’t skimp!
Preparing Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta and cook until al dente—follow the package instructions. Once done, drain it, but don’t rinse! You want that starchy goodness.
Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t walk away! Garlic can turn from golden to burnt in a flash, and burnt garlic is a no-go.
Add the tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with a generous dash of salt and pepper. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices.
Blend in the cream: Turn the heat down low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until everything is wonderfully combined. You’ll feel like a kitchen magician!
Toss the pasta: Add the drained pasta right into your skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with that luscious sauce.
Garnish and serve: Plate your delicious creation and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil and, if you’re feeling fancy, some grated Parmesan cheese.
Best way to enjoy it
Serving this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is an art in itself. Consider tossing on a bit of fresh basil to make it pop visually and enhance that fresh flavor. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for that ultimate Italian experience. If you’re in the mood for a little zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a lovely kick to the pasta. Trust me, your guests will rave!
Storage and reheating tips
So, what happens if you’ve got leftovers? Here’s a pro tip: store any uneaten pasta in an airtight container, and refrigerate it. The dish will last about 3 days. When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stove with a splash more cream or a little pasta water to restore that creamy consistency. Microwaving is fine too, just be cautious as it can dry out fast.
Pro chef tips
- Tomatoes matter: Use the ripest tomatoes you can find, as their flavor is crucial.
- Don’t rush the sauté: Allow the garlic to turn that beautiful golden brown—it’s where the flavor blooms.
- Taste as you go: The seasoning can be adjusted based on personal preference. You’ll know what it needs!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ideas to switch things up! You can sauté some spinach or kale with the garlic for an extra dose of nutrients—or swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Want some protein? Shredded chicken or shrimp could play nicely in this dish, too. And if you’re in the mood for a little nuttiness, toast pine nuts to sprinkle on top just before serving. The options are endless!
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
How to prepare it
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta 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.
Common questions
- What can I serve with this pasta? A simple green salad and garlic bread make for great companions.
- Can I use frozen veggies? Absolutely! Just toss them in with the tomatoes as they sauté.
- How long does the pasta last in the fridge? It will keep for about 3 days in an airtight container.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- How can I increase the flavor? Consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers for a deeper taste.
Cooking offers a wonderful opportunity to share, to create, and to nurture those you love, and this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta does just that. With its rich flavors and creamy comfort, it’s sure to bring joy to your table. So, gather your ingredients, crank up the heat, and let your culinary adventure begin! Don’t forget to come back and share your experience or any delightful twists you tried—I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes, heavy cream, and garlic, creating an elegant yet easy dish perfect for any occasion.Ingredients
How to Prepare
Boil the pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta and cook until al dente—follow the package instructions. Once done, drain it, but don't rinse.Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.Don't walk away, as burnt garlic is not desirable.Add the tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes along with salt and pepper. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes until softened.Blend in the cream
Turn the heat down low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until everything is combined.Toss the pasta
Add the drained pasta to your skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.Garnish and serve
Plate your dish and garnish with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 400 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
