Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Introduction

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of heavy cream with fresh tomatoes and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a comforting taste with just a handful of ingredients.

A white bowl filled with creamy rigatoni pasta covered in a rich orange sauce mixed with green herbs and small red tomato pieces. The rigatoni tubes are fully coated in the sauce, with visible bits of melted cheese stretching as a fork lifts a cheesy piece above the bowl. Chopped green herbs are scattered evenly on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossiness of the sauce and the texture of the pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced

1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until it turns golden brown and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes along with salt and pepper to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure it is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve the pasta topped with fresh chopped basil. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half.
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for a spicy kick.

Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a deeper tomato flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken for extra protein.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of tube-shaped pasta covered in a creamy, orange-colored cheese sauce with red specks, likely from tomatoes or spices. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a pop of color. The pasta is in a white bowl with a woman’s hand holding a gold fork lifting a portion, with melted cheese stretching in long strings from the bowl to the fork. The background is a plain, dark color with a white marbled surface beneath the bowl. 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 most pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Choose your favorite shape or what you have available.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently so the garlic cooks evenly without turning bitter. Remove from heat promptly once it’s golden brown and fragrant.