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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is the quintessential dinner recipe that marries comfort with simplicity. Picture yourself coming home after a long day, hungry for something nourishing yet quick to prepare. This dish captures that perfect balance — fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream enveloping al dente pasta. It’s a meal that beckons to be enjoyed at any time, whether it’s a weeknight supper or a cozy gathering with friends.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This creamy tomato garlic pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a comforting delight that you’ll want on your table often. Here are some reasons why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your kitchen rotation:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep, you can whip up this indulgent dish in under 30 minutes.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh tomatoes and garlic creates a sauce that bursts with flavor.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love this creamy, comforting dish — and you’ll find they’ll ask for seconds!
- Versatile: This recipe is perfect for a casual family dinner, an elegant date night, or even a last-minute get-together.
“This creamy tomato garlic pasta is my go-to for busy weeknights! It tastes like it’s from a restaurant, but I can make it at home in no time!” — Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Ready to dive in? Making creamy tomato garlic pasta is straightforward, starting with your pasta as the base and layering on flavors from fresh ingredients. Here’s how it goes:
- Boil and Cook: Start with boiling salted water and cooking your choice of spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it turns golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes: Toss in the diced tomatoes, along with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until everything is blended beautifully.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until it’s thoroughly coated, and serve it topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this creamy tomato garlic pasta, you’ll need the following:
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- 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
Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh basil, dried oregano or parsley can make excellent substitutes.
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s golden brown.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing until fully coated.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Serving
This creamy tomato garlic pasta makes for a stunning presentation. Here are a few creative serving ideas:
- Serve it in a large bowl topped with additional fresh basil for a pop of color.
- Pair with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the pasta.
- A slice of garlic bread or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully.
- Consider a simple glass of white wine or Italian soda for a refreshing complement.
Best Way to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
To keep your creamy tomato garlic pasta at its best, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened.
- Freezing: While not ideal due to the cream sauce, if you must freeze, do so before adding herbs. Thaw and reheat before stirring in fresh basil.
Pro Chef Tips
Here are some expert tips to perfect your creamy tomato garlic pasta:
- Use high-quality ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If out of season, canned whole tomatoes can work well.
- Ensure your garlic doesn’t burn, as it can turn bitter. Keep the heat moderate while sautéing.
- For an extra depth of flavor, some chefs like to add a pinch of sugar to the tomatoes as they simmer to enhance their sweetness.
Creative Twists
Feel free to put your unique spin on this dish! Consider these variations:
- Add Protein: Sauté shrimp or grilled chicken to toss in with the pasta for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Additions: Mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: A dash of red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick!
- Cheese Lovers: Incorporate goat cheese or a dollop of ricotta for added creaminess and tang.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes! For a lighter version, half-and-half or a plant-based alternative can be used, although it may affect the richness of the sauce.
How should I store leftovers safely?
Always refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, and consume them within 3 days to ensure food safety.
Now, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of creamy tomato garlic pasta! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and indulgent pasta dish with fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream, perfect for any weeknight dinner or cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s golden brown.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing until fully coated.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative. If fresh basil is unavailable, consider using dried oregano or parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, tomato, garlic, quick dinner, weeknight meal, vegetarian
