Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta dish that combines luscious creaminess with vibrant tomato and garlic flavors, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and aromatic notes that come together effortlessly in just about 25 minutes. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an easy yet elegant meal, this recipe delivers every time with its rich sauce and bright basil freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to this delightful dish’s incredible flavor. Each component plays a vital role from providing texture to adding depth and color, making the cooking process smooth and rewarding.

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape that will hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a fragrant, silky base to sauté the garlic and spices.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible, robust flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a mild kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient that provides vibrant color and rich tomato tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild warmth and subtle spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthy, Mediterranean aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Softens the acidity, elevating the sauce’s perfect sweetness.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, silky texture that makes this pasta truly creamy.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty richness and depth.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish): Fresh herbs add a burst of brightness and color at the end.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to complement the creamy sauce’s smoothness without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside so you can integrate it seamlessly into the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute until you can smell the garlic’s rich aroma filling your kitchen. This step is crucial as it forms the fragrant base for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and sugar. Let this vibrant mixture simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally so the sauce thickens evenly without sticking to the pan. This simmering refreshes and deepens the tomato flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat to keep your sauce from boiling. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, watching it transform into a gorgeous, creamy sauce with a slightly thickened texture. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly while the cream rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Fresh Basil

Now’s the moment to bring it all together. Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss well, ensuring every strand or piece is coated with the luscious creamy tomato garlic sauce. Stir in fresh basil to uplift the dish with its bright, herbaceous flavor, making the pasta irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this pasta is like adding the final brushstroke on a masterpiece. Fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving elevate both taste and presentation effortlessly. A little black pepper cracked on top also adds an inviting aroma and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a crusty garlic bread to sop up all the glorious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also bring a fresh, crunchy contrast, balancing the richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in rustic bowls to showcase its hearty, comforting nature or plate it elegantly with freshly torn basil and edible flowers for a dinner party. You can also serve it alongside grilled shrimp or chicken for an added protein boost, transforming it into a grand meal everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing to maintain the creamy texture and freshness.

Freezing

This pasta freezes fairly well, although the texture might soften a bit. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. Use low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally; if needed, add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is fine but stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work wonderfully, this creamy tomato garlic pasta sauce complements many pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Choose one that you love and that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also enhance flavor with nutritional yeast to mimic cheesy depth.

How spicy is this pasta with the red pepper flakes?

The amount used adds just a gentle warmth that livens up the dish without overpowering the delicate creaminess. You can always omit or adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The tomato garlic sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently and add cream and cheese just before tossing with pasta to keep the silky texture intact.

What can I add to the pasta to make it more filling?

Great additions include grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and spinach, which add protein and extra flavor while complementing the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is truly a dependable crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its blend of fresh ingredients, comforting creaminess, and bright basil will quickly make it a staple in your meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to whip it up tonight — your taste buds will thank you!

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4 from 46 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy tomato garlic pasta features tender fettuccine or penne tossed in a luscious sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, flavored with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting Italian-inspired vegetarian main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Prepare Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and sugar. Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and slightly thicken the sauce.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
5. Toss Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in chopped fresh basil and serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
• Add sautéed spinach or grilled chicken for extra protein and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian