The aroma of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace that says, “Dinner is served!” Imagine the luscious cream mingling with tangy tomatoes and aromatic garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. You can almost hear the pasta twirl on your fork like it’s getting ready for a grand performance.
This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years. I remember the first time I made it for my friends—let’s just say it was a hit! We were gathered for movie night, and as soon as they caught a whiff of that creamy goodness bubbling away, their eyes lit up like children on Christmas morning. Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing dinner guests, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- The rich flavors create an unforgettable meal that looks as good as it tastes.
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Plus, it’s sure to impress anyone at your dining table!
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use any shape you like! Spaghetti or penne work beautifully, but feel free to get creative.
- Fresh Garlic: For that delicious aroma and flavor; don’t skimp on the cloves!
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: The star of our show! Opt for fire-roasted varieties for extra flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This adds the luxurious creaminess we all crave in a pasta dish.
For the Seasoning:
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the dish; make sure it’s fresh!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out all those vibrant flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save about a cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter (or olive oil if you’re feeling fancy). Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about five minutes so all those flavors meld together into a beautiful sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Allow it to cook until it thickens slightly—just enough to coat the back of a spoon. You’ll want to dive right into this creamy concoction!
Step 5: Combine Pasta
Toss your cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve Up
Transfer your creamy tomato garlic pasta onto plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if you’re feeling gourmet. Enjoy immediately while still warm!
Now go ahead and dig in—you’ve earned this delicious bowl of comfort!
You Must Know
- This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with a comforting texture.
- It’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
- With just a few ingredients, you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table without breaking a sweat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add your canned tomatoes and let them simmer while you cook the pasta. Toss everything together with cream, and voilà! You have a delicious dish without any fuss.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cream for a plant-based alternative or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can also throw in some grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re feeling fancy. The options are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; it makes all the difference.
- Remember not to overcook the pasta; al dente is key!
- A sprinkle of fresh basil will elevate your dish to restaurant level.
I still remember the first time I made this creamy tomato garlic pasta for my friends. They devoured it so quickly that I wondered if I had actually made enough—it was an instant hit!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta?
To make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, you will need pasta of your choice, fresh tomatoes or canned tomato puree, garlic cloves, heavy cream, olive oil, and a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Fresh basil can enhance the flavor. Cheese lovers may also add Parmesan or mozzarella for extra creaminess. This dish is versatile, so feel free to add vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp to customize it according to your taste.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta?
Preparation time for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is relatively quick. You can expect to spend about 10 minutes gathering your ingredients and chopping garlic and tomatoes. Cooking the pasta takes around 8-10 minutes, while preparing the sauce requires an additional 10-15 minutes. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for weeknight dinners when time is limited.
Can I make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta ahead of time. To do this, cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them together on the stovetop. Be cautious not to overheat as it might alter the texture of the sauce. You may need to add a splash of cream or water to achieve the desired consistency when reheating.
Is Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a fantastic vegetarian dish that combines rich flavors without any meat products. Using simple ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, and garlic makes it both satisfying and nourishing. You can enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a side dish at gatherings. For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the recipe while keeping it entirely plant-based.
Conclusion for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta :
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is an easy-to-make dish that brings comfort food to life with its rich flavors and creamy texture. By using fresh ingredients like tomatoes and garlic along with heavy cream, you create a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with additional veggies or proteins if desired. Whether preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this pasta dish will surely be a hit on your dining table!
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in this quick and satisfying creamy tomato garlic pasta, combining rich flavors of garlic, tangy tomatoes, and luscious cream—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Allow it to cook until slightly thickened, enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If it's too thick, add reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.
- Serve Up: Transfer onto plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative. Add spinach for extra nutrition or grilled chicken/shrimp for added protein.
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