Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the freshness of tomatoes and garlic. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible to anyone, whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef. With its creamy sauce and comforting flavors, this pasta dish promises to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 1 can of ripe tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the can of tomatoes (with juices) and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
This dish is best served hot and can be enjoyed with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves and, for those who love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top to elevate the flavor.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use fresh tomatoes if you prefer over canned for a more vibrant flavor.
- Experiment with different types of pasta like penne or fettuccine for a unique texture.
- Add some cooked chicken or veggies like spinach or zucchini to make it a heartier meal.
- Adjust the creaminess to your taste by adding more or less heavy cream.
Variation
You can switch things up by adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or incorporating pesto for a different flavor profile. Another fun variation is to replace the heavy cream with a lighter option, such as half-and-half, for a slightly different texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it does not include meat.
What type of pasta works best?
Any type of pasta works well! Common choices include spaghetti, penne, or even bowtie pasta.
Can I freeze leftover creamy tomato garlic pasta?
While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the pasta. However, the cream sauce may separate when thawed. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the can of tomatoes (with juices) and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.