Print

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Print Recipe

A silky tomato-and-cream pasta dish that’s quick to make and packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped (yellow or sweet)
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 can Tomatoes (14–16 oz) — whole or crushed
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the canned tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, break them up with a spoon. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Warm the sauce until combined, keeping it below a hard boil to prevent separation.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Plate and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half, though the sauce will be a touch thinner. Gluten-free pasta works fine—follow package timings. Use canned crushed tomatoes for a smoother base or whole tomatoes for more texture.

Find it online: https://www.wholesomeeasy.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta-4/