Luscious Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe – Ready in a Flash!

Twirling a fork through this luscious tomato garlic pasta promises pure culinary delight.

The classic Italian-inspired garlic pasta technique brings robust flavors dancing across your plate.

Ripe tomatoes meld seamlessly with aromatic garlic, creating a sauce that whispers comfort and elegance.

Each strand of pasta captures the rich, velvety essence of Mediterranean cooking.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a vibrant layer of brightness to this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Gentle simmering transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that anyone can master.

You’ll savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming pasta that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta The Right Way

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated pasta stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Let pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future dining. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently reheat with splash of water to restore creamy texture.
• Leftover Transformation: Revive chilled pasta by adding fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or mixing with rotisserie chicken for an instant lunch upgrade. Microwave with small amount of liquid to prevent drying out.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store sauce and pasta separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep sauce in sealed glass container and noodles in separate container. Mix just before serving to prevent soggy pasta and preserve maximum flavor quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Linguine or Spaghetti: Hearty noodle that provides the perfect canvas for creamy sauce, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning water and enhancing pasta's natural taste during cooking.

• Ripe Tomatoes: Deliver vibrant, sweet-tangy flavor and beautiful color to the sauce, select firm tomatoes with deep red color.
• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic punch that transforms the entire dish's flavor profile, choose fresh cloves with firm, unblemished skin.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture that binds sauce ingredients together, opt for full-fat cream for richest results.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertones, select extra virgin for most authentic taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty complexity that elevates the entire dish, grate fresh for maximum flavor impact.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, herbaceous note that complements tomato's richness, choose vivid green leaves without wilting.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides most robust flavor profile.

Tools For Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Prep

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space for water and noodles.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure reserved pasta water.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping garlic and other potential ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Steps To Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Quickly

• Boil Water and Prepare Pasta

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

• Create Creamy Tomato Base

In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and golden. Add crushed tomatoes, stirring gently to blend the flavors. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly.

• Combine and Finish

Scoop some reserved pasta water into the tomato sauce, creating a silky smooth texture. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together until each strand is beautifully coated. If needed, splash in more pasta water to achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency.

• Serve with Flair

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delectable meal while it’s piping hot!

Tips For Rich Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Flavor

• Creamy Sauce Rescue: If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect silky consistency.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness and added color that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Easily transform this vegetarian pasta by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein and substance.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious vegan-friendly version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who love a subtle kick, or keep it mild for a crowd-pleasing meal that suits all taste preferences.

Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta With A Twist

• Pasta Party Platter: Serve this creamy tomato garlic pasta on a large wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, creating a rustic and inviting family-style presentation that encourages sharing.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta on top to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal with extra protein and flavor complexity.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped basil, grated parmesan cheese, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dish's aromatic profile and add a bright, fresh touch to the creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich tomato and garlic flavors with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a light, acidic sauvignon blanc that cuts through the creaminess and elevates the dining experience.

Silky Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade creamy tomato garlic pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort directly to kitchen tables. Simple ingredients merge into a silky sauce with fresh herbs and bold Mediterranean flavors that welcome hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 (14 oz/397 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 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper or chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil, ensuring ample space for pasta to move freely.
2. Cooking Technique: Immerse pasta into boiling water, stirring intermittently to prevent adhesion, and cook until reaching al dente perfection – tender with a subtle resistance.
3. Liquid Preservation: Before draining, carefully extract a cup of starchy cooking liquid, a crucial element for later sauce refinement and ingredient cohesion.
4. Sauce Foundation: In a separate skillet, gently toast minced garlic until it releases a golden, aromatic essence, creating a flavor-packed base for the sauce.
5. Tomato Transformation: Pour crushed tomatoes into the garlic-infused pan, allowing them to simmer and develop a rich, concentrated flavor profile that will elevate the entire dish.
6. Creamy Integration: Blend cream into the tomato mixture, stirring smoothly to create a luxurious, silky sauce that will envelop each pasta strand with velvety richness.
7. Final Assembly: Unite the perfectly cooked pasta with the creamy tomato sauce, using reserved cooking liquid to achieve ideal consistency and ensure complete flavor absorption.
8. Seasoning Finale: Enhance the dish with carefully balanced salt, pepper, and optional herbs, tasting and adjusting to create a harmonious culinary experience.
9. Presentation: Plate immediately, crowning with freshly grated Parmesan and a delicate sprinkle of chopped basil to add a final layer of aromatic sophistication.

Notes

• Master Pasta Water: Salt the water generously to infuse flavor directly into pasta during cooking, creating a foundational taste layer.
• Control Pasta Texture: Remove pasta slightly before complete doneness to prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency with gentle bite resistance.
• Leverage Starchy Liquid: Reserve pasta water as a magical sauce thickener and binding agent, helping create smooth, clingy sauce without additional thickeners.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, allowing precise control over final dish texture and preventing potential dryness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg