Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food
Craving Comfort? You Need This Pasta! 🍝
I remember my grandmother making a similar pasta dish. It always felt like a warm hug on a plate. Now, I’m sharing my version of The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta with you! It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious.
This isn’t just *any* pasta recipe; it’s a weeknight savior. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. You’ll find yourself making The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta again and again.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Creamy Dreamy Sauce: The sauce is rich and flavorful, coating every strand of pasta.
- Garlic Galore: Because, let’s be honest, can you *ever* have too much garlic?
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta.
- Versatile: Add your favorite protein or veggies to make it your own.
Let’s Talk Ingredients 🍅
Pasta – The Foundation 🍝
I prefer using penne or rotini for this The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta. Their ridges hold the sauce beautifully. However, spaghetti or fettuccine work wonderfully too! Choose your favorite shape; it’s all about personal preference.
Tomatoes – Sweet & Tangy 🍅
Canned crushed tomatoes are the base of our sauce. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed will give you a smoother texture. For a richer flavor, I sometimes add a tablespoon of tomato paste. It really elevates the The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta.
Garlic – The Star of the Show
Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe! I use a generous amount – about 6-8 cloves. Don’t be shy! Minced garlic provides the best flavor distribution in The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta.
Cream – For Ultimate Richness 🥛
Heavy cream is what makes this pasta truly creamy. However, you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version. Keep in mind that half-and-half won’t be as thick, so you might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer. This is key to The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta.
How to Make The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta 🧑🍳
First, cook your pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously! While the pasta cooks, let’s start on the sauce. It’s a simple process, and the aroma will fill your kitchen.
Next, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After that, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
Finally, drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Now you have The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta!
7 Pro Tips for Kitchen Success ✨
- Don’t burn the garlic! Keep the heat medium-low.
- Use good quality parmesan cheese. It makes a difference.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For extra flavor, brown some Italian sausage before adding the garlic.
- A splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic adds depth.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
Overcooking the pasta is a common mistake. Aim for al dente – firm to the bite. Also, avoid using pre-grated parmesan cheese. It often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as well. Making The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta is easy if you avoid these pitfalls!
FAQs 🤔
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the pasta right before serving.
What wine pairs well with this pasta? A light-bodied Italian red wine, like Chianti, is a perfect match.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Not as written. However, you can easily use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste; simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Drain pasta and add to sauce; toss to coat.
- Garnish with basil and red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta!
Final Thoughts 💭
I truly hope you enjoy this recipe for The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta. It’s a dish that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t forget to check out my other garlic tomato pasta recipe variations for even more inspiration.