Skip to main content

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of creamy tomato garlic pasta, perfect for cozy nights in. Indulge in this delightful dish that promises to make your dinner unforgettable.

Min-Jae Park - Head Chef
By Min-Jae Park
4.6 (145 reviews)
Jump to Recipe
Delicious Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta - homemade Italian comfort food recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta - Ready to enjoy

Imagine a chilly evening, the kind where you crave something warm and comforting. Enter creamy tomato garlic pasta, a dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace with its rich, velvety sauce and aromatic garlic notes. The pasta, perfectly al dente, is smothered in a creamy tomato concoction that whispers of home and hearth. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book or share stories around the dinner table. This isn't just pasta; it's a hug in a bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this creamy tomato garlic pasta truly special is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. The creaminess of the sauce, balanced with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the aromatic allure of garlic, creates a dish that's both comforting and indulgent. It's a recipe that brings people together, evoking memories of family dinners and laughter-filled kitchens. The ease of preparation means you can whip it up on a busy weeknight, yet its rich flavors make it worthy of a weekend dinner party. This pasta is more than just a meal; it's an experience, a reminder of the joy found in simple pleasures.

Step-by-step preparation of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta showing ingredients and initial cooking steps
Preparing the ingredients
Cooking process for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta showing technique and proper timing
Close-up Picture

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Large Pot

Essential for boiling pasta perfectly

Skillet

Needed to create the creamy sauce

Garlic Press

Ensures finely minced garlic for maximum flavor

Wooden Spoon

Ideal for stirring the sauce gently

Colander

Drains pasta efficiently, keeping it al dente

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread

Complements the creamy sauce with its crispy texture

Caesar Salad

Offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pasta

Red Wine

Enhances the tomato flavors with its deep, fruity notes

Roasted Vegetables

Adds a healthy, colorful side to the meal

Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkled on top, it adds a savory depth

Perfectly cooked Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta served and ready to eat - final result
The perfect finished result

Pro Tips

  • Pro Tip: Use fresh garlic for a more intense and aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Pro Tip: For a richer taste, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce, making it even more indulgent.
  • Pro Tip: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness that melts into the pasta.

🍳 Your Cooking Progress

Ingredients Gathered

0/10 Complete

Cooking Steps

0/7 Complete

Recipe Mastery

0% Complete

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Dive into the luscious world of creamy tomato garlic pasta, where each bite offers a symphony of flavors. This dish is your ticket to a warm, comforting evening meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4 yields
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

💡 Click on ingredients to check them off!

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

💡 Click on steps to mark as complete!

  1. 1
    Cook Pasta
    Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    Sauté Garlic
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Add Tomatoes
    Stir in crushed tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and thicken slightly.
  4. 4
    Mix in Cream
    Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. 5
    Season Sauce
    Add Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts.
  6. 6
    Combine Pasta
    Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  7. 7
    Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot, enjoying the rich aroma.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 550
Total Fat 22.5g
Carbohydrates 68.0g
Protein 15.0g

Chef's Notes

  • The creamy tomato garlic pasta is perfect for a cozy night in. Its rich aroma fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.
  • The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, offering a delightful balance of creamy and tangy flavors with every bite.
  • Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a fragrant touch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Pair this dish with a glass of red wine to elevate the flavors and create a memorable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully with this creamy sauce. Just ensure to cook it according to package instructions to maintain the right texture and flavor.

To make this dish vegan, substitute the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. The flavors remain rich and satisfying without any animal products.

Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent additions. They complement the creamy sauce and add a delightful protein boost, making the dish more filling and nutritious.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture.