Description
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that blends rich, velvety tomato sauce with garlic and Parmesan to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Italian-American dish uses simple ingredients like fettuccine or penne, fresh garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, making it a hearty main course that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add Cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Mix in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh basil, and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or shrimp.
- To keep it vegetarian, use Parmesan cheese made without animal rennet.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to incorporate more vegetables into the dish.
