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- Spaghetti or fettuccine - Olive oil - Garlic cloves - Diced tomatoes - Dried oregano - Red pepper flakes (optional) - Heavy cream - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese To make creamy garlic tomato pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. I love using spaghetti or fettuccine for this dish. They both hold the sauce well and add a nice texture. Next, you will need olive oil. This oil gives a rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic. Fresh garlic cloves are key for that strong, tasty aroma. I usually use four cloves for a bold taste. Diced tomatoes in a can are perfect for this recipe. They add sweetness and acidity. Adding dried oregano gives the dish warmth and a little earthiness. If you enjoy heat, red pepper flakes can add a nice kick—just a teaspoon is enough. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. You can adjust the amount based on how rich you want it. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, so don’t skip them. Finally, fresh basil leaves add a burst of color and freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese is a must for serving; it brings all the flavors together in a lovely way. Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to make a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boiling water and seasoning: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. 2. Cooking to al dente: Add your spaghetti or fettuccine to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, save one cup of pasta water for later. 1. Sautéing garlic to perfection: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to be golden and fragrant, not burnt. 2. Adding tomatoes and spices: Next, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. If you like some heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let this mix simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. 1. Mixing the cooked pasta with the sauce: After simmering, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 200ml of heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. This makes your sauce creamy and rich. 2. Adjusting the sauce consistency: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta until it is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce. If it seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps you achieve the perfect sauce consistency. To get the best garlic flavor, start by chopping your garlic into small pieces. - Use fresh garlic for the best taste. - Heat olive oil in your pan over medium heat. - Add garlic and stir it for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic turns bitter. If you smell a strong scent, it may be time to remove it from heat. To thicken your sauce, you can adjust the ingredients. - Let the sauce cook longer to reduce it. - If it's too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta, which helps thicken sauces without losing flavor. Garnishing makes your dish look great and adds flavor. - Use fresh basil leaves to give a pop of color. - Grate some Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it on top. Serve this pasta with a side salad or garlic bread to make it a full meal. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that jarred garlic simply can't match. Always opt for fresh to elevate your dish! Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth for a delicious, lower-calorie option. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To ensure your pasta remains al dente, remember to cook it just until it’s firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Garnish with Intent: Fresh basil and grated Parmesan not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make your creamy garlic tomato pasta even better. Chicken, shrimp, or sausage are great choices. Just cook the protein first, then mix it into the sauce. This adds flavor and fills you up. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or lentils. They give you a nice texture and protein boost. You can also use tofu for a hearty twist. Cheese adds creaminess to the dish. You can use grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or even goat cheese. Each option gives a different taste. If you want something lighter, try ricotta cheese. For dairy-free substitutes, use nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. They both add a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Want to add some heat? Red pepper flakes are great! You can adjust the amount to your liking. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add more. You can also add vegetables to boost flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Just sauté them with the garlic. They add nutrients and make the dish colorful. To keep your creamy garlic tomato pasta fresh, you should store it well. First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it's time to reheat your pasta, the best method is to use the stove. Pour the pasta into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to help it heat through. Stir often to avoid sticking. This keeps the pasta nice and creamy. If the sauce seems thick, you can restore its creaminess. Just add a bit more heavy cream or milk. This helps to bring back that smooth texture you love. Avoid using the microwave if you can, as it can dry out your sauce. Enjoy your leftovers just like they were freshly made! To make this dish vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These simple changes give you a rich, creamy sauce without any animal products. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If using fresh, you need about 4-5 medium tomatoes. Chop them and cook them down to release their juices. This will create a nice, fresh flavor in your sauce. Just remember to cook them longer to reach the right consistency. This pasta pairs well with a crisp salad or garlic bread. You might also enjoy it with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal, making it even more satisfying. To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce. Start small, then taste as you go. This way, you can find the right level of spice for your taste. In this blog, we explored the steps to make Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta. We covered the essential ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best flavor. Remember to sauté garlic carefully and use pasta water to adjust the sauce. You can add proteins or change the cheese for a twist. Proper storage and reheating keep your dish fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy making this tasty meal your way. Cooking should be fun, so get creative in your kitchen!

Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with garlic and tomatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400 g diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 200 ml heavy cream
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, tomato