When it comes to comfort food, there’s something undeniably delightful about creamy pasta dishes. This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is my go-to when I want to indulge a little but keep things simple in the kitchen. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and rich cream creates a luscious sauce that envelops your pasta in flavor. There’s a reason this dish has a special place in my heart—it’s easy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Picture this: You come home after a long day, your stomach rumbling, but you don’t have the energy for a lengthy cooking session. Enter this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The vibrant acidity of the tomatoes perfectly balances the creamy richness of the sauce, creating a dish that tantalizes your taste buds without overwhelming them. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase ripe tomatoes—shopping at farmer’s markets? That’s where the magic begins!
Not only is this pasta super delicious, but it also delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for yourself or hosting a small gathering, this recipe allows you to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings effortlessly. And, hello, who doesn’t love a dish that can be ready in a flash? Plus, with the fresh basil and garlic, your kitchen will smell divine—a little olfactory delight as you cook!
Gather these ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Go for your favorite pasta! Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine adds a nice, ribbon-like texture that’s just glorious when coated in sauce.
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced): Fresh tomatoes are non-negotiable here. Choose juicy, ripe ones; they add all the fresh, bright flavor you’ll need! You could even use cherry tomatoes—just halve them for a sweet pop.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the silkiness comes from. Don’t skimp! You could substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but remember, richness is key here.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a game-changer! It brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil ties everything together with its peppery flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle in some chili-infused oil for a kick!
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped): Basil adds a refreshing herbal note that’s simply irresistible. Don’t have fresh basil? No problem! Dried basil will work in a pinch—just use about one tablespoon.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors. Make sure to taste as you go!
Preparing Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember, you want a little bite in the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse—it loves those starchy connections!
- In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown—about one to two minutes max! If it starts to burn, it’ll become bitter, and we don’t want that!
- Toss in the diced tomatoes along with some salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about five minutes. You’ll witness the tomatoes break down, releasing all their juicy goodness—oh, the aroma!
- Lower the heat, and pour in that luscious heavy cream. Stir until it’s beautifully blended. The sauce will thicken up a bit—this is what dreams are made of!
- Toss your cooked pasta into the skillet, allowing it to soak up that glorious sauce. Make sure every single strand is coated and happy.
- Serve it up! Top with fresh basil and, if you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
Best way to enjoy it
To truly savor your creamy pasta, serve it hot, fresh from the stove! Pair it with a simple side salad—think crisp greens with a light vinaigrette—to cut through the richness of the sauce. A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio, elevates the experience, or if you want to keep it cozy, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon will do the trick. You can also throw in some garlic bread for a delightful crunch—we all love that buttery goodness!
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (although let’s be real, this dish is usually devoured in one sitting), here’s how to keep it fresh! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or extra cream on medium heat to loosen the sauce—nobody wants a dried-out pasta dish! While I don’t recommend freezing it, if you must, you can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta, but the cream may separate upon thawing, so keep that in mind.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t skip on the salt in the pasta water! It helps flavor the pasta itself, which is crucial since it acts as a blank canvas for the sauce.
- If you’d like a little more depth in flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it cooks. You’ll be amazed at the transformation!
- To enjoy a luxurious version, finish the pasta with a little pat of butter mixed in right before serving!
Creative Twists
Want to switch things up? Here are a few tasty options:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a filling meal.
- Extra Veggies: Spinach or zucchini makes for a vibrant addition—toss in your greens just before serving for a lovely pop of color and nutrients.
- Cheesy Delight: Blend in some mozzarella or goat cheese for a creamier, cheesier sauce.
- Herb Lovers: Experiment with fresh herbs! Oregano or parsley can add a new flavor dimension, and herbs like thyme complement the flavors beautifully.
Directions to follow
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream until blended.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese.
FAQs
1. How long does this recipe take?
This dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes!
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese if you want that cheesy finish.
3. What’s the best pasta to use?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you love will work. Just make sure it’s long enough to catch that creamy sauce!
4. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Cook over low heat after adding the cream, and avoid high temperatures. Stirring gently helps keep everything happy!
5. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
For sure! Just scale the ingredients up and use a larger pot for cooking the pasta and a big skillet for the sauce. Perfect for sharing!
Next time you find yourself rummaging through the pantry, consider diving into this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but you’ll discover just how satisfying and delightful it can be with each mouthful. So, gather those ingredients, don your apron, and let’s create something together that doesn’t just fill the belly—it warms the heart too! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting dish made with ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and heavy cream, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that envelops your pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Cook Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.Do not rinse the pasta for best sauce adhesion. -
Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about one to two minutes.Be careful not to burn the garlic. -
Add Tomatoes
Toss in diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about five minutes.Tomatoes will break down and release juices. -
Combine Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir until blended and the sauce thickens slightly. -
Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until coated with the sauce.Ensure every strand is covered. -
Serve
Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 45g70%
- Saturated Fat 25g125%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 80 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 6 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 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.
Note
Adjust the garlic and seasoning to taste.
