why make this recipe
This pasta is quick, creamy, and full of fresh garlic and tomato flavor. You can make it fast for weeknights. It needs few ingredients and tastes comforting.
introduction
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta mixes simple ingredients into a rich sauce. The garlic and tomatoes give bright taste. The cream makes the sauce smooth. This dish pairs well with a salad or bread.
how to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Cook the pasta until it is al dente. Make the sauce in one skillet. Sauté garlic, add tomatoes, then stir in cream. Toss the pasta in the sauce so each strand gets coated. Finish with fresh basil and serve.
Ingredients :
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine, 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced), 1 cup heavy cream, 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced), 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside., 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown., 3. Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes., 4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended., 5. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated., 6. Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Serve hot on plates or in a shallow bowl. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. Offer grated Parmesan on the side. A green salad or toasted bread goes well with it.
how to store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze the dish with cream; it can change texture.
tips to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor or canned tomatoes in a pinch.
- Do not burn the garlic; cook it until light golden.
- Warm the cream before adding to avoid curdling.
- Save a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or Italian sausage for protein.
- Stir in spinach or kale for more greens.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Use a cup of canned diced tomatoes. Simmer a little longer if they are watery.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cream or coconut cream. The sauce will taste different but still creamy.
Q: How do I stop the cream from splitting?
A: Lower the heat and add the cream slowly. Do not boil after you add the cream.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Spaghetti or fettuccine work well. Short pasta like penne also works if you prefer.
Conclusion
For a simple, tasty reference you can try a similar recipe at Salt & Lavender creamy tomato pasta to compare techniques. For another home-cook version, see Carolina Gelen’s creamy tomato pasta for more tips. If you want a sauce-focused guide, check The Burnt Butter Table’s creamy tomato pasta sauce for sauce ideas and variations.
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced) Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Warm the cream before adding to avoid curdling.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced) Avoid burning the garlic; cook until light golden.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Used for sautéing garlic.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped) Save some for garnishing.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended.
Combining and Serving
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
