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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

4.4 from 141 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce garnished with fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful Italian-inspired classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce

  • 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

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add the diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes and let flavors meld.
  4. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the tomato garlic cream sauce until all strands are evenly coated.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, then top with freshly chopped basil and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor, or substitute with quality canned diced tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • To enhance the dish, add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory touch.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, garlic tomato sauce, fettuccine recipe, spaghetti recipe