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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining the tangy freshness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic depth of roasted garlic, and a rich, velvety cream sauce that perfectly coats spaghetti or fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a satisfying meal that can be customized to your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced or smashed
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 4–5 fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Optional Add-ins & Variations

  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for protein
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers
  • Coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free version
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for spice
  • Pecorino or mozzarella cheese for variation

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced or smashed garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or fresh chopped Roma tomatoes), stirring well to combine with the garlic and oil. Let the mixture simmer for 7 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly and develop a rich, deep flavor.
  4. Stir in the Cream: Lower the heat and gradually add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a silky, smooth sauce. Heat through gently without boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, then fold in fresh chopped basil for a fragrant and fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for brighter flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture and help emulsify.
  • Cook pasta al dente to keep a balanced texture.
  • Simmer the tomato base slowly to avoid bitterness and develop full flavor.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, tomato pasta, garlic pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta, dairy-free pasta option

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta/