Description
This Tomato Garlic Pasta recipe offers a quick and creamy dish combining al dente spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from sautéed garlic, ripe tomatoes, and heavy cream. Finished with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for a 25-minute dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown, being careful not to burn it to maintain a fragrant base.
- Add Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy, creating a rich texture.
- Toss Pasta: 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, then top with freshly chopped basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing – golden brown color indicates perfect aroma without bitterness.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor or canned diced tomatoes in a pinch.
- Always salt the pasta water well to enhance the noodles’ flavor.
