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Creamy tomato garlic pasta dish served on a plate with fresh herbs.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

A quick and easy creamy pasta dish with bright tomato flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Base
  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine Use your preferred type of pasta
  • 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced) Fresh and ripe for sweetness
  • 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced) Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For sautéing
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped) For garnish and flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning as needed

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook the pasta until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the minced garlic.
  2. Sauté until it smells nutty and turns golden at the edges (1–2 minutes).
  3. Add diced tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and pepper; simmer until tomatoes soften (about 4–5 minutes).
  4. Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream and fold gently until the sauce turns silky (about 2 minutes).
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy finish.
  6. Take off the heat and stir in most of the basil; serve with extra basil and optional grated Parmesan.

Notes

Mince garlic ahead to save time; if sauce separates, whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream to revive it. For extra warmth, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.