Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; 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

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Introduction

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a rich, velvety sauce made from fresh garlic, diced tomatoes, and Parmesan, it pairs beautifully with penne or fettuccine pasta.

A white bowl filled with rigatoni pasta covered in thick creamy orange sauce with visible red pepper flakes and green herbs. The rigatoni pieces are tube-shaped with ridges and coated evenly in the sauce. Fresh chopped green basil leaves are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. A fork lifts a piece of rigatoni, with melted cheese stretching from the bowl to the pasta on the fork. The background shows a soft blurred grey wall and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
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

Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture bubble gently for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter flavor, cooking them down until soft.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil for a subtle spicy kick.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Include fresh basil or parsley at the end for an herbaceous touch.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with several pieces of ravioli covered heavily in a creamy orange sauce mixed with red and green herbs. The ravioli are square-shaped with visible fluffiness inside, coated thickly with the creamy texture. Green fresh chopped herbs are scattered on top and within the sauce, adding a vibrant contrast. A golden fork holds up a piece of ravioli with melted, stretchy cheese dripping down from it, showing the gooey texture inside. The bowl is set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with many pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite for the best experience.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.