Go Back
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

A rich and satisfying pasta dish with garlic, tomatoes, and cream that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream until well combined. The sauce should turn a peachy color.
  5. Toss drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and half the Parmesan. Serve immediately with remaining cheese on top.

Notes

  • Don't burn the garlic. Watch it closely and keep heat at medium.
  • Lower heat before adding cream to prevent separation.
  • Use pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
  • Fresh garlic tastes significantly better than jarred in this recipe.