Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that can make any meal special. It’s easy to prepare, and you might already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. The rich flavors of garlic and creamy sauce blend beautifully with pasta, making it a simple yet satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for many reasons. First off, it takes little time to prepare, making it ideal for busy lives. You can have this dish ready in just about 30 minutes. Additionally, the creamy tomato sauce is both rich and comforting, perfect for colder days or when you are craving something indulgent. It’s also easy to customize – you can add vegetables, proteins, or different herbs based on your preference. Moreover, it’s a great choice for both meat lovers and vegetarians, which makes it a versatile option for gatherings.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add a good pinch of salt. Add the pasta of your choice to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Make sure the oil is warm enough but not smoking.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts turning a golden color. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add Tomatoes: Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until it’s well combined with the tomato mixture. This will create a luscious sauce.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Continue to mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Make sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Serve: Serve your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a touch of color and additional flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is best served hot. You can plate it in individual bowls or on a large serving dish. It’s wonderful on its own, but you can also serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. Sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese on top right before serving will add a nice touch.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, if necessary. It’s best not to freeze this dish, as the cream may change texture when thawed.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Pasta Choice: Traditional spaghetti or fettuccine works well, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer those options.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality canned tomatoes enhance the dish’s flavor. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth.
- Control Spice: If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to include vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the tomatoes.
Variation
You can modify this recipe based on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to make it more filling. Sauté the protein with the garlic before adding the tomatoes.
- Vegetarian Option: Incorporate roasted vegetables or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as feta for a tangy flavor, or mozzarella for added creaminess.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It is quick and perfect for a busy dinner.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, using canned tomatoes is ideal for this recipe. They provide great flavor and save you time on preparation.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just reheat and add cooked pasta before serving.
Enjoy making your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta! It’s a comforting staple that’s full of flavor and perfect for satisfying any hungry appetite.
Print
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-prepare pasta dish featuring a rich creamy tomato sauce with garlic, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
You can customize by adding vegetables or different proteins. Serve with garlic bread or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg