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Indulge in the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Delight - Featured Image

Indulge in the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Delight

Learn how to make delicious Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that let the flavors shine without overcomplicating things. I always opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes or good-quality canned ones when fresh aren’t available. Fresh garlic is a must—it’s the heart of the sauce and brings that comforting aroma straight to your kitchen. For the creaminess, I prefer a splash of half-and-half or light cream to keep it dreamy but not too heavy, especially when feeding the kids.

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half or light cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this is key to avoid bitterness.
  3. Pour in the crushed or fresh tomatoes, stir in red pepper flakes if using, and let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in the half-and-half or light cream. Let it warm through for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine everything smoothly.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat every strand. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and gently stir until melted and creamy.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta, recipe, cooking, food