Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is more than just a weeknight meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace that always hits the spot. There’s something universally delightful about the simple yet profound combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and velvety cream, all clingin extractg to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of dish that has a way of making everyone at the table smile, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned foodies. What makes this particular Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta so special is its ability to be both incredibly easy to prepare and surprisingly elegant. You don’t need a culinary degree to achieve restaurant-quality flavor, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is simply non-intoxicating. Get ready to fall in love with this classic for all over again.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin extract olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking the Pasta
- Startgin extract bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. This is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the salt; it should taste like the sea. Once boiling, carefully add the 8 oz of spaghetti or fettuccine. Stir the pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions for al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. While the pasta cooks, it’s a good time to prepare the sauce ingredients so everything comes together seamlessly.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This magical liquid is your secret weapon for achieving a perfectly emulsified and creamy sauce. The starch in the water helps to bind the sauce ingredients and create a luxurious texture. Drain the pasta well in a colander and set it aside. You can toss it with a tiny drizzle of olive oil if you’re worried about sticking, but it’s usually not necessary if you move quickly to the sauce.
Making the Creamy Tomato Garlic Sauce
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the 2 tgin extract of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until igin extract fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter flavor to your sauce. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately or even briefly remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the 1 cup of diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and release their juices. You can gently press on them with the back of your spoon to help them along. Season generously with salt and pepper at this stage to build flavor. This initial cooking of the tomatoes creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine it with the tomatoes and garlic. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook the sauce for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and developed a rich, creamy consistency. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully and for the cream to reduce just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato garlic sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, while tossing. This will help to loosen the sauce and make it even more luscious. Continue to toss until the pasta is well incorporated and the sauce clings beautifully.
- Finally, stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. The fresh basil adds a burst of bright, aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the sauce perfectly. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil on top for garnish.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! Your very own delicious and comforting Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is ready to be savored. This recipe is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The rich tomato sauce, infused with the pungent aroma of garlic and enveloped in a velvety cream, makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this fantastic base!
For serving suggestions, consider topping your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A generous grating of Parmesan cheese is also a must for those who love an extra cheesy kick. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
As for variations, feel free to add your favorite protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some Italian sausage. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed mushrooms or spinach would be a wonderful addition. You can also adjust the amount of garlic to your personal preference, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. I encourage you to make this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta your own!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the components ahead of time. The sauce can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and then cook your pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the heated sauce and finish with the cream. Adding the cream towards the end helps maintain its texture.
Q: What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
While canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and work beautifully, using fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes will give you an even more vibrant flavor. If using fresh, simply blanch them, peel, and chop before sautéing with the garlic. You can also use a combination of crushed tomatoes and a little tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
A simple and delicious creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 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
-
Step 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package directions for al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. -
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn. -
Step 3
Add 1 cup of diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down. Season with salt and pepper. -
Step 4
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. -
Step 5
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. -
Step 6
Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.