Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the garlic and tomatoes, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it great for cooks of any skill level.
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 and let them simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine the 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
You can serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta warm, straight from the skillet. It works well as a main dish or as a side for grilled chicken or garlic bread. Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish can add a lovely touch.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well in the sauce.
- For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing.
- If you want to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor. For a protein boost, consider mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti works well with this creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Definitely! You can use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce more. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining rich flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for quick 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 and let them simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Customize by adding vegetables or proteins. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, tomato, garlic, Italian, quick dinner