Description
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich and velvety tomato cream sauce infused with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this vegetarian recipe balances the tanginess of crushed tomatoes with the smoothness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it to your desired consistency. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken to make the dish heartier.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing as it can turn bitter.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
