Print

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★

3.8 from 49 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal featuring al dente penne or fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich, savory sauce made from sautéed garlic, ripe diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances creamy textures with vibrant tomato flavors for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure it’s tender but still firm to the bite.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes so the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for balanced flavor.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water gradually if needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta hot, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese for an enhanced finish.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water because its starch helps to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic to maximize aroma and flavor in your sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding fresh basil or parsley on top can add a fresh herbal note.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best.

Keywords: Creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, penne pasta recipe, fettuccine creamy sauce

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta-recipe/