A Comforting, Simple, and Flavorful Pasta Dish
This Easy & Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta is the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and rich flavors, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Featuring ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cream, this dish delivers a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Uses simple, wholesome ingredients for a bright, natural taste.
- Creamy Yet Light: The addition of cream creates a silky sauce without making it too heavy.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins, herbs, or cheese.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these staples in your kitchen already.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic & Tomatoes
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and butter.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
4. Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in fresh basil for added freshness.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, garlicky goodness!
Variations & Additions
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Make it Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Herb Boost: Try adding oregano, thyme, or parsley for extra depth.
- Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the sauce.
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based heavy cream (like cashew or oat cream) and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute with one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, but fresh ones will give a brighter flavor.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well, but any pasta of choice can be used.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be less creamy. You can thicken it by simmering longer or adding a bit of butter.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer a bit longer, add more Parmesan, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses make great substitutes.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would pair beautifully.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can skip the red pepper flakes to make it milder for kids.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Conclusion
This Easy & Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta is a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner, a date night, or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it as is, or get creative with your own additions!
Easy & Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy & Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cream for a luscious, velvety sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic & Tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and butter.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water.
- Stir in fresh basil.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
- Extra Herbs: Add oregano, thyme, or parsley.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Roast tomatoes before adding to deepen flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, homemade pasta sauce
