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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 130 reviews

A rich and creamy tomato garlic pasta featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, enhanced with fragrant basil for a deliciously comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add tomatoes: Stir in the diced ripe tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and tomatoes to soften.
  4. Incorporate cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and well blended, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
  5. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each strand evenly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
  • To add a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil can be substituted but reduce quantity as it’s more concentrated.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory depth to the dish.
  • Make sure to not overcook the pasta; al dente texture pairs best with the creamy sauce.

Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, spaghetti recipe, easy pasta sauce, garlic tomato cream sauce, Italian pasta dish