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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

5 from 50 reviews

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a deliciously simple and quick Italian-inspired dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce made from ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and rich heavy cream. Enhanced with fragrant fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil, this pasta is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce

  • 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the diced ripe tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes and blend flavors.
  4. Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined with the tomato and garlic base.
  5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy tomato garlic pasta and top generously with chopped fresh basil. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; canned diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely savory depth to the dish.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead by making the sauce in advance and tossing with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, creamy pasta sauce, garlic tomato sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, quick weeknight dinner