Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, optional)

Description

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired main course that combines tender pasta with a rich and velvety tomato garlic sauce enhanced by cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a harmonious blend of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs simmered to perfection and tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it to preserve the garlic’s delicate flavor.
Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes if using, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully, creating a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat all pasta evenly. Cook together for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors.
Serve: Serve the creamy tomato garlic pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

To add protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives to make the dish vegetarian-friendly or dairy-free.