Description
A quick and comforting creamy tomato garlic pasta dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 20-25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4–5 minutes, until they soften and release juices.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil.
- Serve portions topped with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Save the pasta water to help bind the sauce and achieve a silkier finish. For a lighter sauce, consider substitutions like half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, tomato garlic pasta, quick dinner