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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

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This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe is quick, easy, and delivers bold garlic flavors balanced with a rich, velvety tomato sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy tomato garlic sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
  6. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the pasta. Stir to combine, and let it melt into the sauce.
  7. Top with fresh basil for garnish and serve hot with extra parmesan on the side.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh garlic and high-quality crushed tomatoes enhance the flavor. Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or pesto for extra depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, tomato garlic pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, Italian comfort food