Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the freshness of tomatoes and the aromatic scent of garlic. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy people who still want a satisfying homemade meal. The combination of flavors is simple yet comforting, appealing to both adults and kids alike. Plus, making pasta from scratch is cheaper and healthier than buying ready-made meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this pasta dish is easy to follow and sure to impress.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 8 oz of pasta. Cook until al dente, typically between 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
Sauté the Garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Make sure not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in a can of 14 oz diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The tomatoes will start to soften, and the flavors will combine.
Stir in the Cream: Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream is fully mixed in with the tomato mixture. Let this cook for an additional 2 minutes on a low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the creamy tomato sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Ensure that every strand is well covered.
Serve: Plate the creamy tomato garlic pasta hot. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves on top to add color and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta can be served as a main dish or alongside your favorite salad for a complete meal. For extra flair, consider serving it with garlic bread or toasted crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. If you’re looking to elevate your meal, add a side of steamed vegetables or a light green salad with vinaigrette. To drink, a glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the richness of the pasta.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
If you have leftover creamy tomato garlic pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water or more cream to loosen it up. For best results, try to consume the leftovers within a few days for optimal taste and texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Pasta Choice: While spaghetti and fettuccine work great, feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or bowtie. Different shapes can change the way the sauce clings to the pasta.
- Cream Substitute: If you want a lighter version, you can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind that the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to the dish.
- Extra Veggies: To boost nutrition, toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers while cooking the tomatoes. These vegetables complement the sauce nicely.
- Cheese Variation: Besides Parmesan, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for varied flavors.
Variation
Here are some variations of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta you can try:
- Spicy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing for a kick of heat.
- Baked Creamy Tomato Pasta: After mixing in the pasta, transfer it to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply make the dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your salt is vegetarian-friendly.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If using fresh, about 4-5 medium tomatoes, diced would be needed. You may want to cook them a bit longer to break down before adding the cream.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta?
It is not recommended to freeze pasta with cream sauce as it can change the texture. However, you can freeze the sauce alone and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. Alternatively, coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
With this simple, delicious recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the week! Enjoy cooking and indulging in this creamy delight!
Print
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful creamy pasta dish that combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and richness from heavy cream, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Slowly add heavy cream and cook on low heat for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until evenly coated.
- Plate hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also boost nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy tomato, garlic, quick meal, comfort food