why make this recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and quick meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and creamy sauce creates a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. This pasta dish captures the heart of Italian cooking while being accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
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; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water; combine 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
Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta hot, directly from the skillet. You can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
To store leftover Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
tips to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best.
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor, but you can also substitute with garlic powder if necessary.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more reserved pasta water or simmering a little longer for a thicker consistency.
variation
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the pasta for extra protein and nutrients. For a lighter option, swap the heavy cream for a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Spaghetti, linguine, or farfalle would all work well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers for a spicy kick.
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and quick meal featuring garlic, tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce, capturing the essence of Italian cooking.
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; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water; combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
