Whip Up Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Fast – Rich, Flavorful, and Easy

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Whip Up Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Fast is a delicious, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. This quick pasta recipe combines ripe tomatoes, savory garlic, and rich cream to create a silky, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to your choice of pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a satisfying vegetarian-friendly dish that can be enjoyed alone or paired with garlic bread and a simple salad.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. Make the Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Add Cream and Cheese

  1. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
  2. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

  1. Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

  • Pasta Choice: Penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work well.
  • Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to adjust creaminess.
  • Garlic Flavor: Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
  • Make Ahead: Sauce can be made ahead and reheated; add pasta just before serving.

Variations

  • Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
  • Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Top with mozzarella or Asiago cheese.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
  • Pairs well with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio.
  • Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick comforting lunch.

Fun Facts

  • Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, making this pasta both delicious and nutritious.
  • Creamy tomato pasta is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and can be customized with fresh herbs and cheeses.
  • Using fresh basil as a garnish adds both flavor and vibrant color.

Recipe Notes

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
  • For a vegan version, replace cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Vitamin A: 8%
  • Vitamin C: 15%
  • Calcium: 20%
  • Iron: 15%

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Quick and flavorful pasta with creamy tomato garlic sauce, ready in 20 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz pasta penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic 30 seconds.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Add pasta, toss to coat evenly. Adjust sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Garnish with chopped basil and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creamy texture.

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