Description
Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a rich, quick, and flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, crushed tomatoes, and cream for a velvety, comforting sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until the pasta is creamy and coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or chickpeas for extra nutrition.
- For protein, include grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Make it dairy-free with coconut cream or cashew cream and vegan cheese.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of cream or milk for a silky texture.
