This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a comforting, satisfying dish that brings together silky cream, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant garlic in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners when you want something warm and reassuring on the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor without being complicated to prepare. It comes together quickly using everyday pantry ingredients and delivers a restaurant-style result at home. The sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully, making each bite smooth, savory, and deeply comforting. It’s also easy to customize, so you can adapt it to your taste or what you already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti or fettuccine – 8 ounces
Ripe tomatoes, diced – 1 cup
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Fresh garlic cloves, minced – 4 cloves
Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Fresh basil, finely chopped – 1/4 cup
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it.
Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and evenly combined. Let it gently simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss well so every strand is coated in the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 to 3 people as a main dish.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Total time needed is around 25 minutes.
Variations
For a lighter version, you can replace half of the heavy cream with milk while keeping the sauce creamy. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and flavor. If you enjoy a little heat, a small pinch of red chili flakes can bring a gentle kick to the dish. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes such as penne or linguine.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s smooth texture. Stir well to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work very well and are a convenient option when fresh tomatoes are not available.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti and fettuccine are ideal, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and gently reheat before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the steps are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
Can I reduce the creaminess?
You can reduce the amount of cream slightly or substitute part of it with milk for a lighter sauce.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Cream-based sauces do not freeze well, as they may separate when reheated.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms pair very well with this sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly while sautéing the garlic.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended, but dried basil can be used in smaller amounts if needed.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple salad or warm bread makes a great side to balance the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
Creamy tomato garlic pasta is a comforting, flavorful recipe that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its smooth sauce, balanced flavors, and quick preparation, it’s a reliable dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, this pasta delivers warmth, satisfaction, and homemade goodness in every bite.
This creamy tomato garlic pasta features a rich, velvety sauce made with ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and heavy cream, tossed with pasta and finished with fresh basil. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release juices.
Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
Substitute half the cream with milk for a lighter version.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or chili flakes for variations.
Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or water.
Stir garlic constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
