Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines the delightful flavors of tomato, garlic, and cream for a rich sauce that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or whole-wheat)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Adjust according to personal preference
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes Choose high-quality brands for best flavor
- 1 cup Heavy cream Can swap half with Greek yogurt for lighter option
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Plus more for serving
- 1 handful Fresh basil or parsley, chopped For garnish and freshness
- Salt and pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking the Sauce
- Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for five minutes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until the sauce becomes a luscious pink hue and allow it to simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the pasta. Finish with fresh basil or parsley for color and flavor.
Serving
- Transfer to bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese, and optionally drizzle with olive oil before serving warm.
Notes
For variations, consider adding vegetables like zucchini, or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and omit cheese.