Hi there, food lover! 👋
Are you ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a hug in every bite? 🍝💕 Today, we’re diving into a traditional yet timeless recipe: The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta. This dish combines the rich sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic kick of garlic, and the velvety smoothness of cream to create a pasta that is simply irresistible.
This recipe has roots in the cozy kitchens of Italian home cooking, where simplicity and flavor are always the guiding stars. Families would gather around rustic tables, passing steaming bowls of pasta filled with love and tradition. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can recreate this soul-warming dish in your own home.
The beauty of creamy garlic tomato pasta is its balance: it’s rich but not heavy, flavorful but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for a quiet dinner alone as it does for a festive family gathering. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight option. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you to pasta perfection.
Ready to stir up some magic? Let’s begin! ✨
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes (or 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, blended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional 🌶️)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish 🌿🧀
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. 🍝
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes). 🧄🧅
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 🍅
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently bubble until creamy and smooth (about 3 minutes). 🥛
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. 🧀
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce clings perfectly to every strand. ✨
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving for a burst of herbal freshness. 🌿
- Plate your pasta, garnish with more Parmesan and basil, and serve warm.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
🍽️ Servings: 4
#️⃣ #comfortfood #italianpasta #creamygarlictomato #easyweeknightdinner #pastalovers
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
