why make this recipe

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the zesty flavor of garlic and tomatoes. It’s an easy meal to prepare, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting pasta dish that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds.

how to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream; let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water; combine pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed for consistency.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

how to serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

This dish is best served hot. You can plate it in bowls and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A side salad and garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to this meal, making it a complete dining experience.

how to store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen it up if it becomes too thick.

tips to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Make sure to sauté the garlic until golden brown, but be careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter.
For a little extra spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

variation

Try adding cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute the pasta for gluten-free options if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work great for this recipe. Just make sure to choose ones with no added sugar or preservatives.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure you use vegetarian cheese if that’s a concern.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.