Tangy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Homemade Delight

Crafting a delightful tomato garlic pasta recipe brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Vibrant red tomatoes and aromatic garlic dance together in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Home cooks adore how quickly these ingredients blend into a mouthwatering meal.

Mediterranean flavors shine through each perfectly twirled forkful of pasta.

Robust garlic notes complement the sweet, tangy tomato sauce with incredible depth.

Every bite promises comfort and satisfaction without complicated techniques.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab your apron and let’s create deliciousness together!

Why Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Tastes So Good

• Conquer Quick Cooking: Dive into a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt this versatile pasta dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it a flexible meal that suits different dietary preferences and hunger levels.
• Celebrate Seasonal Ingredients: Leverage fresh summer tomatoes or winter grape tomatoes to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that connects you directly with seasonal produce and farm-fresh goodness.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Simplify your cooking process with a single skillet technique that minimizes cleanup, reduces kitchen stress, and delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

What’s In Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this delicious dish.

• Tomatoes, Fresh Basil: Bright and juicy ingredients that provide a fresh and vibrant flavor profile to the pasta.
• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that creates a smooth and velvety sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor and adds a creamy consistency.

• Olive Oil: A cooking medium that helps sauté the garlic and creates a base for the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional ingredient that adds a spicy kick to the pasta for those who enjoy heat.

Quick Steps For Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop the pasta into the water and cook until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente texture. Once done, carefully drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Gently add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its fragrant aroma, being careful to prevent any browning that could create a bitter taste.

Step 3: Transform Tomatoes

Add diced tomatoes to the skillet. Let them simmer and cook down, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and start releasing their natural juices. The tomatoes will begin to break down and create a rich, flavorful base.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir the mixture until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in freshly chopped basil leaves. The herbs will instantly brighten the dish with their vibrant flavor and aroma.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with additional fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.

Tips To Perfect Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Preserve Pasta Perfection: Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to your noodles.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Sauté garlic quickly over medium heat to release its aromatic flavor without burning, which can turn the taste bitter and unpleasant.
• Customize Cream Options: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or Greek yogurt for lighter versions that still maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect, velvety coating for your pasta.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Stir basil at the very end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and maximize its aromatic flavor profile.

Flavorful Twists On Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to create a plant-based version that's rich and creamy.
• Gluten-Free Herb Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice noodles. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal. Sauté protein separately and mix into the sauce before combining with pasta.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Increase red pepper flakes for an extra kick of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Top Pairings For Tomato Garlic Pasta Dish

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy tomato sauce's richness and cut through its velvety texture.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Toast crusty artisan bread brushed with olive oil and rubbed with fresh garlic to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy contrast.
• Match Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy intensity and add refreshing green notes.
• Enhance with Grilled Chicken Topping: Add sliced herb-seasoned grilled chicken breast for extra protein, transforming the pasta into a more substantial meal with balanced Mediterranean flavors.

How To Store Tomato Garlic Pasta Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the pasta's flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Gently stir until heated through.
• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Tomato Garlic Pasta FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Choose short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully and are easier to eat.

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Just drain excess liquid before adding to the skillet.

• Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian. If you want to add protein, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or white beans to the sauce.

• How can I make the sauce less rich?

Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce the richness. You can also use less Parmesan cheese to lighten the sauce.

Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Tomato Garlic Pasta brings rustic Italian charm to your dinner table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Fragrant garlic and ripe tomatoes dance together, creating a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni or penne pasta

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later sauce adjustment.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, adding minced garlic and sautéing quickly for 30-45 seconds until aromatic without browning.
3. Introduce diced tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes while gently stirring. Watch for tomatoes to soften and release natural juices, creating a vibrant base.
4. Pour heavy cream into the tomato mixture, allowing it to simmer gently. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and velvety.
5. Season the sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance flavor complexity. Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each strand gets evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed, creating perfect consistency.
7. Remove skillet from heat, delicately fold in freshly chopped basil leaves to infuse bright, herbaceous notes into the dish.
8. Transfer pasta to serving plates, garnishing with additional basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and incredibly aromatic.

Notes

• Preserve pasta’s perfect texture by cooking it just until al dente, ensuring it remains slightly firm and can absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
• Adjust sauce consistency by keeping reserved pasta water, which helps thin out the sauce and adds a silky smooth texture without losing flavor intensity.
• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor, transforming a simple pasta dish into a vibrant culinary experience.
• Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream to create a delicious vegan version that maintains the recipe’s rich, creamy profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg