Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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I started making this recipe on busy weeknights. I needed a fast dinner that tastes good and fills the kids. The meal uses few parts and cooks fast. I keep the sauce ready in the fridge for quick nights. Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta became a go-to when I had little time.

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I make it two to three times each week. It warms up well and serves as lunch the next day. I learned to cook it mostly on short evenings after work. It fits simple tastes and also lets me swap meat or vegetables. A little fresh basil makes it bright.

This recipe is a pasta dish with a smooth tomato and garlic sauce. The sauce is rich from cream and mild from garlic. The taste is creamy and slightly tangy from fresh tomatoes. People make it for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or quick lunch. It pairs well with salad or steamed veg. It does not need special tools or hard steps. For other simple creamy pasta ideas, see easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta for a similar one-pan method.

Why make this recipe

This dish cooks fast and uses few parts. The sauce comes together in one pan. You can make it in about 20 minutes. The flavor is rich but not heavy. The cream calms the tomato acidity. You can change the recipe to add chicken, shrimp, or extra vegetables. The meal fits tight schedules and small budgets. Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a good pick when you want a warm, filling meal without long prep.

How to make this recipe

Boil the pasta until it is firm to the bite. While the pasta cooks, heat oil and fry garlic until it smells and turns light gold. Add fresh tomatoes and let them cook into a simple sauce. Turn the heat low and stir in cream to make the sauce smooth. Add the pasta and toss so each strand gets sauce. Finish with basil for a fresh lift. This method keeps the sauce smooth and the pasta tender. Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta comes out smooth and quick.

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine, 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced), 1 cup heavy cream, 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced), 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), Salt and pepper to taste.

Pasta gives the bulk of the meal and holds the sauce. Ripe tomatoes add fresh sweet tang and natural acidity. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and rich. Fresh garlic gives firm aroma and depth. Olive oil helps cook the garlic without burning. Basil adds a fresh lift at the end. Use good pasta and fresh tomatoes for best taste. For a richer seafood twist, try a buttered lobster version like buttered lobster pasta with garlic and herbs.

Directions

Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Salted water seasons the pasta while it cooks.)
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown. (Watch the garlic so it does not burn.)
Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes. (This lets the tomatoes break down and sweeten.)
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended. (Low heat keeps the cream from splitting.)
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. (Work fast so the pasta keeps its texture.)
Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese. (Basil adds freshness and color.)

For a one-pan variation that saves time and dishes, see one-pot garlic butter pasta for ideas.

How to serve this recipe

Serve on warm plates so the sauce stays smooth. Add grated Parmesan if you like. A green salad and crusty bread work well with the pasta. For a fuller meal, add sliced steak or a side of roasted vegetables. The flavors match roasted or grilled meats. You can plate small portions for kids and larger ones for adults. For a hearty idea, match it with a simple steak pasta like creamy steak pasta.

How to store this recipe

Cool the pasta soon after serving. Put it in shallow airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note that cream sauces can separate if frozen and reheated, so stir and heat slowly to bring back a smooth texture.

Tips to make this recipe

Cook the pasta a minute less if you will toss it in the sauce on the heat. Save a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets thick. Do not let the garlic burn; burn gives a bitter taste. If the cream splits, lower the heat and stir in a little pasta water. You can add protein like shrimp for more flavor. For a spicier take, try a shrimp version such as creamy cajun shrimp pasta with garlic. This recipe works well with small swaps and quick fixes. Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta stays forgiving.

Variation

Swap pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to change the feel. Use cherry tomatoes when ripe for a sweeter sauce. Stir in cooked chicken, seared mushrooms, or roasted peppers for added bulk. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. The base is simple, so big changes can alter texture more than taste. If you need to avoid cream, try a blended cashew or coconut base for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes? A: Yes. Drain or crush them and cook a bit longer to reduce liquid.

Q: Can I make it without cream? A: Use yogurt or milk with a thickener, but texture will change.

Q: How do I reheat without drying it? A: Add a splash of water or cream and heat on low.

Q: Is fresh basil required? A: It adds brightness, but dried basil works in a pinch.

Q: Can I add meat? A: Yes. Cook meat first and stir it into the sauce.

Conclusion

This quick, creamy pasta is easy to make and fits weeknight life. For another simple creamy tomato version, see Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta – Salt & Lavender for a similar sauce idea. If you want a different take, read Creamy Tomato Pasta – by Carolina Gelen for a fresh method. For a step-by-step gallery and tips, try Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe. These pages help when you want more ideas.