Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g pasta (penne or spaghetti); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 400g canned diced tomatoes; 200ml heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish; Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta recipe. This deliciously rich and velvety dish combines sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, creating a comforting meal that is perfect for pasta lovers. Quick and easy to prepare, this pasta is the ultimate go-to for satisfying cravings and impressing guests at any gathering.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-11-26T11:59:08.194Z

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The combination of fresh tomatoes and creamy sauce is simply irresistible!

The Magic of Creamy Tomato Sauce

The allure of creamy tomato sauce lies in its velvety texture and rich flavor profile. By combining sweet canned tomatoes and creamy elements, this sauce delivers a delightful balance of acidity and richness. It coats each pasta strand perfectly, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and flavorful. When cooked together with aromatic garlic, the sauce transforms into a comforting blanket for the pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Using high-quality canned tomatoes can significantly enhance your sauce's flavor. Look for brands that offer sun-ripened tomatoes with no added preservatives, ensuring you get the best taste in every spoonful. A splash of olive oil adds a hint of fruitiness, making the ingredients work together in harmony, showcasing simplicity while delivering a profound taste experience.

Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta Dish

To complete your creamy tomato garlic pasta, consider pairing it with a crisp salad or warm garlic bread. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, garlic bread can be a deliciously indulgent option, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Wine lovers can elevate this dish further by pairing it with a glass of light-bodied white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the tomato sauce without overpowering it, enhancing the overall dining experience and making your meal feel truly special. Whether for a weeknight or a gathering, these pairings will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Tips for a Seamless Cooking Experience

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

300g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
400g canned diced tomatoes
200ml heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the canned diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Stir in the heavy cream into the tomato mixture and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing creamy tomato garlic pasta is easy! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to restore its creamy consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta dish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. While the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing, the fundamental flavors will still shine through, making it a convenient go-to meal for busy evenings.

Nutritional Insights

Creamy tomato garlic pasta not only delights your taste buds but can also be part of a balanced diet. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which have been linked to various health benefits, including heart health and reduced inflammation. When combined with whole-grain pasta, this dish can provide a satisfying source of carbohydrates and fiber.

While heavy cream adds richness, you can make this dish lighter or more nutritious by using low-fat milk or subbing in pureed cauliflower or cashews for the cream. This way, you'll maintain creaminess while reducing overall calories and increasing your vegetable intake. This versatility means you can indulge guilt-free!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta of your choice, like fettuccine or rigatoni.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.