Description
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a luscious sauce made from ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and rich heavy cream. Enhanced with fragrant basil and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that combines classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist.
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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Continuously stir until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil leaves. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for optimal flavor and aroma.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian or lighter option.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, noting it will be less rich.
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta