Description
A quick and creamy tomato garlic pasta made with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this easy vegetarian pasta recipe is rich, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. -
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and juicy. -
Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning
Stir in tomato paste and chili flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. -
Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Pour in heavy cream and stir. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
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Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
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Add Protein: Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon go great with this dish.
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Extra Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
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Make It Vegan: Use plant-based cream and Parmesan alternatives like nutritional yeast.
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Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, boiling
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta easy tomato cream sauce vegetarian pasta recipe pasta with fresh tomatoes quick weeknight pasta