If you’re craving restaurant-quality comfort food straight from your own kitchen, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta deserves a spot at your dinner table! With its lush tomato cream sauce, a delightful garlicky aroma, ribbons of fettuccine, and a flurry of fresh herbs, every bite feels like a big, cozy hug. It’s the kind of dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but luscious enough to impress your favorite people, delivering bold flavors, irresistible creaminess, and the perfect pop of color. Whether you keep it classic or jazz it up with extras, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is love at first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is just how simple the ingredient list is—yet each item plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and the silkiest sauce. Don’t skip a thing: each element has its part to play in the color, aroma, and downright lusciousness of your finished pasta.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (12 oz): Fettuccine hugs the sauce beautifully, but any shape works if you have a favorite or need to use up what’s in the pantry.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): It adds subtle richness and helps draw out the best from your garlic.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The backbone of our flavor, bringing a bold, savory punch to every mouthful.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 14.5-oz can): Gives the sauce its gorgeous color and tangy-sweet depth.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with a fragrant Italian warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a subtle kick. Adjust to taste or leave them out if you prefer mild.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle spiciness and depth.
- Heavy cream (¾ cup): The secret behind that signature rich, velvety texture.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish you’ll love.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps emulsify the sauce and creates irresistible silkiness.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (¼ cup): The finishing touch—bright, peppery, and visually stunning!
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s rolling, drop in your fettuccine (or pasta of choice) and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This is key for achieving the perfect texture! Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the cooking water and set it aside—you’ll use this liquid gold to help bring the sauce together later. Drain the pasta and keep it close by.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a spacious skillet or sauté pan, pour in the olive oil and warm it over medium heat. Drop in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal is to coax out its aroma and flavor without letting it brown. Your kitchen will immediately smell incredible—this is the unmistakable start to any dreamy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta!
Step 3: Create the Tomato Base
Pour the crushed tomatoes right into the pan with the garlic. Add in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then let the mixture simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This soft bubbling reduces the tomatoes slightly and lets all those flavors meld into a harmonious base.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then swirl in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan and butter. As you stir, you’ll see the sauce transform from a classic tomato to an indulgently creamy, rosy blend—the signature of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. If your sauce seems a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until each strand is beautifully coated. At this point, check for seasoning—add a bit more salt or pepper as needed. If you like your pasta extra saucy, pour in a touch more pasta water for that silky, glossy finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta into bowls or onto a beautiful serving platter, and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley. The contrast of green against that velvety sauce is just irresistible. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and ultra-creamy!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta with a shower of chopped basil or parsley for color and brightness. Add a little extra grated Parmesan if you like things extra cheesy, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a final dash of heat—it’s all about accentuating those creamy, tangy notes with fresh, flavorful touches.
Side Dishes
This pasta is perfectly hearty on its own, but it sings when paired with sides. A crusty loaf of garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta extra special? Twirl it into high little nests on plates or serve in shallow bowls with an extra swirl of cream on top. For gatherings, try presenting it family-style on a large platter sprinkled with mixed herbs and edible flowers, or portion into ramekins for individual servings that look as stunning as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making those second-day servings especially irresistible.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion any extras into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be aware the sauce may thaw a bit thicker due to the cream, but a splash of milk or cream upon reheating brings it right back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk and stirring often until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch; cover loosely, heat in short bursts, and stir between intervals to ensure it heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta ahead of time for a dinner party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply cook fresh pasta, gently warm the sauce, and toss them together just before serving for incredible results with minimal last-minute effort.
How can I make this pasta vegetarian or vegan?
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta as written is vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting the heavy cream and butter with plant-based versions and using your favorite dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
What proteins work well with this dish?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make fantastic additions. Simply cook and slice your protein of choice, then toss it in with the pasta for a heartier meal that still lets the creamy tomato-garlic flavors shine.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely! Fettuccine is classic for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, but penne, rotini, spaghetti, or even shells work beautifully and soak up all the sauce. Just cook according to package directions and proceed as usual.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Simply add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water or a little extra cream to loosen the sauce until it’s perfect. Stir well to blend it in, and the sauce will return to that dreamy, silky state!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts comfort and wow-factor, you absolutely have to try Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet special enough for entertaining, and the flavor always earns rave reviews. Gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of something delicious, and get ready to enjoy this cozy, crowd-pleasing classic!
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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. This easy-to-make dish features a luscious tomato cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream, Parmesan, and butter. Stir until creamy. Toss in cooked pasta. Adjust consistency with pasta water.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or spinach to enhance the dish.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half, or opt for plant-based cream for a vegan twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
