Simple Homemade Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

January 15, 2025

Get ready to twirl your fork into a bowl of pure comfort! This creamy garlic tomato pasta is the perfect blend of cozy, rich, and oh-so-simple. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a luscious, velvety sauce ready to coat every glorious strand of pasta. Let’s cook!

5.0 out of 5 (4 ratings)

Oh, the joy of a warm bowl of pasta! There’s something magical about the way it wraps you in a blanket of comfort and satisfaction, isn’t there? Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite super-simple recipes: creamy garlic tomato pasta. Imagine this—a luscious, velvety tomato sauce kissed with garlic, cream, and just the right amount of herbs, all lovingly tangled up with your pasta of choice. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or wooing a table full of hungry diners, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up even on a busy weeknight, so what’s not to love?

Simple Homemade Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Recipe

What makes this recipe such a gem is its genius simplicity that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The base starts with canned tomatoes (trust me, good-quality canned tomatoes are a pantry hero), a splash of heavy cream for that luxurious texture, and lots of garlic—because you can never have too much garlic, right? To give it depth, I like to add a dash of smoked paprika and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The result? A sauce that’s so silky, it’s basically a love letter to your taste buds. Bonus points if you snag some fresh basil to scatter over the top for that pop of freshness. It’s an innovative twist on classic tomato sauce, and you’ll want to spoon it straight from the pan—I won’t judge.

For tips to pasta perfection, don’t forget to save some pasta water! That starchy, salty liquid is a secret weapon for making your sauce cling beautifully to every strand. I recommend cooking your pasta to just shy of al dente and letting it finish in the simmering sauce—this ensures your noodles soak in all the goodness. Also, don’t feel boxed in by spaghetti. This creamy garlic tomato creation works like a dream with fettuccine, penne, or even fun shapes like cavatappi. And if you want a lighter touch, you can swap heavy cream for a splash of milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt—creamy without being too heavy.

Now it’s your turn to create this bowl of joy! Serve it simply with a side of garlic bread or jazz it up with some seared shrimp or a handful of sautéed mushrooms for a heartier version. Feeling adventurous? Stir in a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat, or toss in some baby spinach for bonus greens. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—it’s your canvas, so have fun with it. Whatever path you take, one thing is certain: you’re about to have one of the easiest, most satisfying dinners ever. Twirl, savor, repeat!

Keywords: easy creamy pasta recipe, homemade garlic tomato pasta, simple weeknight pasta dish, quick dinner ideas with pasta, comforting tomato cream sauce pasta, best one-pan pasta recipes, creamy tomato garlic sauce

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

•12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
•1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
•1/2 cup heavy cream
•1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
•1 teaspoon dried basil
•1 teaspoon dried oregano
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
•Water for boiling pasta

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
6
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to coat.
7
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories

450 calories per serving

Protein

14g

Carbs

58g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just ensure to cook it to al dente according to the package instructions for the best texture.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream if I don’t have it?

A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly.

Q: How do I fix the sauce if it’s too thick or too thin?

A: If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and using a dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Q: Can I add protein or vegetables to this pasta?

A: Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein. For vegetables, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers work wonderfully and complement the creamy tomato sauce.

Q: How can I make the dish spicier?

A: To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also drizzle some spicy chili oil on top before serving for an extra kick.

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