Description
This Easy & Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines fresh ingredients with a rich, velvety texture that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Make the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add grated Parmesan and mix until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
- Make it Healthier – Use whole wheat pasta or swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in mozzarella or ricotta for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegan Option – Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Keywords: Creamy tomato pasta, fresh garlic sauce, quick pasta recipe, homemade pasta sauce, easy weeknight dinner