Description
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from garlic, tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh basil and a touch of red pepper flakes for optional heat, it’s a simple yet indulgent meal suitable for a comforting dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices into the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly. Let the sauce cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape; spaghetti or penne work particularly well.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned for a fresher taste; just make sure to chop them finely.
- Add cooked vegetables or cooked chicken for extra protein and nutrition.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can make the sauce bitter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
