Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; extra Parmesan for serving

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If you’re craving comfort food with a little flair, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. Imagine perfectly cooked noodles twirling through a silk-smooth tomato cream sauce, kissed with garlic, herbs, and a generous dusting of Parmesan. It’s a dish that delivers plenty of cozy nostalgia with a surprisingly lush, restaurant-style finish — all in about 25 minutes from start to finish. This recipe brings together pantry staples for a meal that manages to feel both special and satisfyingly familiar, whether you’re serving it as a busy weeknight dinner or wowing family and friends.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how the magic of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta comes down to a handful of simple, reliable ingredients. Each one plays an important part: adding depth, creaminess, freshness, or that burst of herby aromatics every bite deserves.

Spaghetti or fettuccine (12 ounces): The perfect base for catching every velvety drop of sauce. Use your favorite long pasta shape!
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps release the fragrance from the garlic.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The recipe’s true flavor hero – don’t skimp!
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A hint of heat brings all the flavors alive; adjust to taste or omit for a mild dish.
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The backbone of your sauce, bringing essential acidity and robust tomato flavor.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Lends a sweet, herby note reminiscent of classic Italian pasta sauces.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): For that irresistible pizza-pasta aroma and savory depth.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both the pasta and the sauce perfectly.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch wakes up all the other flavors beautifully.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The dreamy element that transforms this into a true creamy comfort dish.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): For nutty, salty complexity in every mouthful — plus extra for serving is always encouraged.
Fresh basil, chopped (2 tablespoons): Finishing with freshness and a touch of vibrant color.
Extra Parmesan for serving: Because who ever says no to more cheese on their pasta?

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water — this starchy liquid is your secret to getting the sauce perfectly glossy and clingy later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic (& Optional Heat)

Grab your largest skillet and pour in the olive oil. Place it over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if you like a subtle kick). Sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t brown. You just want everything smelling hugely fragrant and toasty — this is the foundation of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta’s rich flavor.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Next, pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the herbs time to bloom and the tomato flavor to deepen beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Cream & Parmesan

Lower the heat to avoid curdling, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce goes from bright red to the most irresistible, rosy, creamy shade. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the sauce is luscious and smooth.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is perfectly coated. Now’s the time to use some of that reserved pasta water — add a splash at a time if you want a silkier, looser sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Scatter the chopped fresh basil over the top and give it one last swirl. Dish onto plates and finish with plenty of extra Parmesan. Your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Garnishes

The right garnish does more than decorate; it wakes up the whole bowl. I love to sprinkle on extra Parmesan cheese and freshly torn basil leaves just before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a twist of freshly ground black pepper never hurts either.

Side Dishes

This pasta is lovely as a stand-alone main, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. Crunchy garlic bread or warm focaccia are always winning sides for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, helping to soak up every bit of the velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For guests, try twisting tongs of pasta into little nests on each plate and spooning extra sauce over the top. For weeknight fun, serve right out of the skillet and let everyone help themselves. Or, bake the finished pasta with a handful more cheese until golden and bubbling for a comforting pasta bake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but it’s easy to loosen up on reheating.

Freezing

Craving Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta for a future you? Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to gently bring the sauce back to creamy awesomeness. Stir gently until warmed through, and top with fresh basil and Parmesan to brighten it up before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or fettuccine; the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten things up, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still plenty creamy. You can also go lighter on the cheese if preferred.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or slices of cooked Italian sausage are fabulous with Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. Toss your cooked protein in when you combine the pasta with the sauce for best results.

What if I only have fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs work beautifully! Use about triple the amount of fresh basil and oregano as you would dried. Add some in the sauce for flavor and save a little for garnish — the freshness will shine through.

Does this recipe work with other pasta shapes?

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta adapts well to most shapes: penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Choose a shape with ridges or lots of surface area to catch all that luscious sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to put Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta on your menu — it’s pure comfort with a flavor punch you’ll want to repeat often. Try it once and it just might become your new favorite go-to for cozy nights or casual dinner parties. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, a comforting dish that combines the tangy taste of tomatoes with the creaminess of Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce is creamy.
Combine and Serve: Toss in pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.