Description
Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta is a quick, comforting dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich tomato and garlic sauce finished with cream and parmesan. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 1½ cups tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5–7 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well for added protein.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream for a lighter version.
- Use crushed tomatoes for texture or tomato sauce for smoothness.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or water to maintain creamy consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
