Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced); 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a rich, velvety sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cream, it pairs beautifully with spaghetti or fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal everyone will love.

The image shows a white bowl filled with pasta pieces covered in thick, creamy orange sauce. The sauce has specks of herbs and spices, giving it a textured look. Fresh green leaves are scattered on top, adding a pop of color. A woman's hand is holding a fork lifting a piece of pasta, with melted cheese stretching up from the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface, making the colors of the dish stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy.
Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve topped with fresh basil and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk to lighten up the sauce or make it dairy-free.
Fresh basil can be replaced with fresh parsley or oregano depending on your preference.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a creamy, orange-colored curry with several square tofu pieces soaking in the sauce. The curry looks thick with visible herbs and spices, and fresh green leafy herbs are scattered on top, adding contrast. A gold fork held by a woman's hand lifts one tofu piece out of the bowl, showing the cheese-like texture stretching in long, gooey strings. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work well and can be used as a convenient substitute. Just drain excess liquid if needed to keep the sauce from becoming too watery.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

The recipe as written contains heavy cream, making it non-vegan. To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use a vegan pasta without eggs.