Description
Creamy tomato garlic pasta is a quick and cozy dish that combines the richness of cream, bold garlic flavor, and tangy tomatoes for a satisfying weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any preferred shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Stir in tomato paste or crushed tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream, stirring until smooth. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently with a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
