Velvety Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe: Simple Yet Divine

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable garlic tomato pasta solutions that satisfy hungry souls.

This silky tomato garlic pasta blends robust Mediterranean flavors into a comforting meal.

Ripe tomatoes mingle with fresh garlic, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to tender noodles.

Pantry staples become a culinary symphony with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Each twirl of pasta promises a burst of rich, harmonious flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh basil adds a final, fragrant touch that elevates this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every last bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Essentials

• Linguine, Spaghetti: Choose a high-quality pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a smooth, elegant texture.

• Tomatoes, Garlic: Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring vibrant color and tangy sweetness, while garlic offers a deep, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce with rich, comforting depth and a subtle nutty undertone.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Carefully seasoned ingredients that balance and amplify the natural flavors of the pasta and sauce.
• Olive Oil: A golden drizzle that adds smooth richness and helps bind the sauce's components together seamlessly.
• Pasta Water: The secret weapon for creating a perfectly emulsified, glossy sauce with ideal consistency.

Kitchen Tools for Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space for water and noodles to move freely.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and catching reserved cooking water.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing garlic and any additional ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps mince garlic precisely and cleanly.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring pasta and transferring noodles between pot and colander.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for accurately measuring reserved pasta water.

Cooking Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Step-by-Step

• Boil Water and Prepare Pasta

Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender with a slight bite.

• Create Sauce Magic

In a large skillet, sizzle minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and let them simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Blend and Combine

Splash in some reserved pasta water to help the sauce become silky and smooth. Stir in cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture that clings to every pasta strand.

• Finish and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring each piece gets coated with the rich, creamy goodness. Sprinkle with fresh basil and a generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

• Plate and Enjoy

Swirl the pasta onto plates, making sure to capture all the delicious sauce. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves and a quick grind of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delectable meal!

Pasta Tips & Tomato-Garlic Variations

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful green color contrast.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly and equally creamy.
• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein and to transform this into a more substantial meal.
• Spice It Up: Introduce red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who love a little heat in their creamy tomato pasta.

Serve Up Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Pasta Night Perfection: Pair this creamy tomato garlic pasta with a crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the dish with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to add extra protein and make the meal more substantial.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or torn basil leaves over the pasta just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a beautiful finishing touch.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy tomato sauce with a glass of light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the dish.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Storage Notes

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the container to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavors.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to restore its creamy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the pasta's quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep sauce and pasta separate when storing to prevent sogginess. Store sauce and pasta in different containers, mixing them only when ready to serve for the best taste and texture.

Silky Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy tomato garlic pasta delivers a luxurious Italian comfort classic packed with rich flavors. Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy meal perfect for weeknight dinners you can enjoy with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 14 oz (400 g) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for extra richness)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper or chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Boil Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.
2. Pasta Cooking: Submerge pasta into the roiling water, periodically stirring to prevent adhesion, and cook until achieving an al dente texture.
3. Liquid Preservation: Before draining, extract a cup of starchy pasta water to enhance sauce creaminess later.
4. Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, gently releasing aromatic flavors without scorching.
5. Cream Integration: Pour heavy cream and diced tomatoes, whisking consistently to create a smooth, uniform sauce base.
6. Cheese Melting: Sprinkle parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and black pepper, stirring until completely dissolved and integrated.
7. Liquid Adjustment: Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, modulating sauce consistency and deepening flavor complexity.
8. Final Assembly: Reunite cooked pasta with creamy sauce, delicately folding to ensure comprehensive and luxurious coating.
9. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, serving immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir occasionally during boiling and use a large pot with plenty of water to prevent pasta from clumping together.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Sauté garlic gently to release flavor without burning, which can create a bitter taste that overpowers the dish.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect creamy texture, helping the sauce cling smoothly to the pasta.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg