introduction
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a cozy, weeknight-friendly dinner that feels special with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want a rich, satisfying pasta without a lot of fuss. If you enjoy creamy weeknight comfort food, you might also like this creamy beef pasta for another hearty option.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Ultra-creamy sauce with bright tomato flavor that pleases picky eaters
- Ready in about 20–30 minutes — perfect for quick weeknights
- Minimal ingredients and pantry-friendly staples
- Easily meal-prepped and reheats beautifully for lunches
- Family-friendly: mild, garlicky, and adaptable for kids and adults
Ingredients Needed
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Herbs & Finishing
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Serve with a simple green salad and a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Add crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for a classic combo.
- For a protein boost, top with sliced grilled chicken or pan-seared shrimp.
- Pair with a light red wine (like Chianti) or a sparkling water with lemon.
Tips for SuccessCreamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use the freshest tomatoes you can find for bright flavor; canned diced tomatoes work in a pinch.
- Don’t overcook the garlic — golden, not brown, avoids bitterness.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end, especially if adding Parmesan.
- For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp butter off the heat.
- Love creamy garlic flavors? Try pairing techniques from this delicious chicken koftas with creamy garlic recipe for inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Vegetarian: Keep as written, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
- Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce (thicker, creamier result uses full cream).
- Spicy: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a gentle heat.
- Cheesy: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Asiago for an extra melty texture; if you love three-cheese combos, read about a similar option here: creamy Italian three-cheese pasta.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — store sauce and pasta separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and combine, adding a splash of pasta water to refresh the sauce.
Q: What pasta works best with this sauce?
A: Long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal for coating with the creamy tomato sauce, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni work fine too.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: Absolutely. Use a 14-oz can of diced tomatoes and drain slightly, or use fire-roasted for a smoky twist.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for heavy cream and finish with extra basil to brighten the flavor.
Q: How can I add protein to this dish?
A: Stir in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or quick-cooked Italian sausage. For beefy comfort, consider flavors from this creamy garlic butter beef and cheddar rice delight for pairing ideas.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a fast, comforting hit for busy weeknights and cozy dinners. For more creamy tomato pasta inspiration, check out Salt & Lavender’s Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta, read a flavorful variation at Carolina Gelen’s Creamy Tomato Pasta, or explore an alternate sauce approach at Skinny Spatula’s Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced Use the freshest tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced Don't overcook to avoid bitterness.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Herbs & Finishing
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped For garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Cooking pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended.
Combining
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
