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–+ servings

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

A delightful pasta dish that combines rich flavors of garlic and tomatoes with a creamy sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Base

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Dairy-free option: Use nutritional yeast instead.
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Mince the 4 cloves of fresh garlic, open the can of diced tomatoes, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Have the olive oil, heavy cream, salt, and pepper measured and ready.

Cooking the Sauce

  • In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 60-90 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.

Cooking the Pasta

  • While the sauce simmers, fill a large pot with at least 4-6 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil.
  • Add a generous amount of salt to the water and then add the pasta, cooking according to package directions until al dente.
  • Before draining, reserve about 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta without rinsing.

Combining the Dish

  • Uncover the skillet and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well mixed.
  • Allow it to return to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
  • Gradually add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serving

  • Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan.

Notes

Best served right after preparation while warm and creamy. Adjust thickness of the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed. If storing, let cool and refrigerate for up to three days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, Easy Dinner, Garlic Pasta, Pasta Recipe
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