Description
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it offers a comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Let them cook gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat to a simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every strand or piece is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the pasta and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you desire some heat for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like spaghetti or penne for best sauce adherence.
- Fresh tomatoes can be substituted with canned diced tomatoes depending on availability.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes based on your preference for spiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
