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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 123 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple and delicious lunch recipe featuring al dente penne or fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich and flavorful sauce made from garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying meal on busy days, and combines the comforting flavors of creamy tomato and garlic in every bite.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne or fettuccine pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water for later use.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, approximately 2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  4. Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cup of heavy cream. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
  5. Add Parmesan and Season: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato garlic sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy tomato garlic pasta hot, optionally garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less thick and creamy.
  • Feel free to add fresh basil or red pepper flakes for an added flavor twist.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.