Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
A delightful and elegant dish combining creamy sauce and fresh garlic with pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice Shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes Include juice for added flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a creamy texture; can substitute with half-and-half or dairy-free cream.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds flavor complexity; can substitute with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
- Fresh basil, for garnish Fresh basil, for garnish Enhances presentation and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese, for serving Parmesan cheese, for serving A traditional topping to elevate the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by measuring out all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Mince the garlic and gather your spices and pasta.
Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a bit of the cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and stir in the Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring consistently. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a thinner consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Notes
For a lightened version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Add proteins like grilled chicken or vegetables for customization.