Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful experience with this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. This Italian-inspired dish combines the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with the tangy sweetness of crushed tomatoes, all infused with aromatic garlic and herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved water.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed veggies for added protein and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
