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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 75 reviews

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a quick and flavorful lunch option featuring tender penne or fettuccine tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfectly balanced with fresh garlic, diced tomatoes, and smooth heavy cream, it’s both comforting and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain, reserving some pasta water for later.
  2. Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  4. Incorporate the cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency. Mix well to combine.
  7. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it adhere better to the pasta.
  • For added freshness, garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Adjust garlic amount according to taste preference for milder or stronger flavor.