Description
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and indulgent Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines the vibrancy of fresh herbs with a subtle hint of heat, delivering a satisfying vegetarian pasta option that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with garlic. Stir in dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy, smooth, and well combined.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess during reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
