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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta recipe

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta with Rich Parmesan Sauce

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful blend of Italian flavors, featuring a rich parmesan sauce perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring occasionally, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the pasta.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Serving

  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage

  • Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or cream to refresh.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Sauté garlic only until it's golden to avoid bitterness.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Serve: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A glass of white wine complements the flavors.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and store in the fridge. Cook pasta fresh before serving.
Keyword Creamy pasta, Garlic Parmesan Pasta, tomato pasta