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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

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A quick and comforting creamy tomato garlic pasta dish made with pantry-friendly staples like penne, garlic, and sun-ripened tomatoes.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 to 1.5 cups sun-kissed tomatoes (chopped)
  • 3/4 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chili flakes, fresh basil or parsley, lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the cream warm and thicken gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the sun-kissed tomatoes and blend them into the cream. Let the tomatoes heat through and release their juices. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  5. Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Finish with chopped basil or parsley and a pinch of lemon zest or chili flakes if using. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. If heavy cream is unavailable, substitute with a 50/50 mix of half-and-half and full-fat Greek yogurt. For tomatoes, canned crushed tomatoes can work in a pinch.

Find it online: https://www.wholesomeeasy.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta-2/