The Creamiest Tomato Garlic Pasta You’ll Ever Make!
Ever craved a pasta dish that smells like heaven and takes less time to make than it takes to scroll your feed? Dive right into this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta! This one-pan wonder is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weekday meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have all the comforts of a homemade dinner without the fuss!
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this pasta for a couple of reasons:
- Minimal Cleanup: Who wants to battle a sink full of dishes after dinner? Not us!
- Dinner in a Flash: In 20 minutes or less, you’ll be twirling your fork in creamy goodness. Seriously, it’s almost too easy. Who doesn’t love a fast meal that tastes like a million bucks?
So, gather your troops (aka family or friends) and let’s whip this up together!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 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
Directions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let it bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (Overview)
Making this pasta dish is a breeze! Start by boiling your pasta while you sauté some garlic in olive oil. The aroma will have your neighbors peeking over the fence! Then, mix in those diced tomatoes and let everything simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, and voilà—sauce is done.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference in flavor!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
This dish looks as good as it tastes! Picture a bowl of bright red sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, sprinkled with a generous handful of Parmesan. You can serve it with a fresh side salad for crunch or some garlic bread for that extra garlic kick. The aroma wafting from your kitchen? Pure bliss! 😊
How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Wondering how long it keeps? In the fridge, this pasta stays good for about 3–4 days. If you want to make it ahead, just store the sauce and pasta separately, and combine them right before serving. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use Fresh Garlic: If you can, skip the garlic powder! Fresh really amps up the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente since it will cook a little more when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel Free to Play with the Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella can work as fun substitutes! Just don’t include too much or it may clump together.
- Chop Up Some Fresh Basil: Throw it in at the end for a burst of freshness and color!
Variation
Want to mix things up? Add some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients or a little kick with some red pepper flakes. You can also easily make this dish vegan by swapping the heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Enjoy those creamy vibes without the dairy! 🌱
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead. Store it separately from the pasta to keep it fresh.Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately. When ready to eat, heat it up on the stove and toss in freshly cooked pasta.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let it bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
