Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe – Easy Weeknight Pasta with Velvety Garlic Tomato Sauce
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. A velvety tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a splash of cream wraps around tender pasta for a rich and cozy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or date nights. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite pasta shape, and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread. Whether you're craving something indulgent or need a quick dinner fix, this pasta delivers every time.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (for cheese)
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut/cashew cream)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, fresh basil, spinach, mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until tomatoes soften and sauce thickens slightly (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently until smooth and creamy.
- Add herbs, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes or spinach.
- Toss in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce coats noodles evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and extra cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
- Don’t overcook garlic—it turns bitter quickly
- Customize with protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Make it vegan with plant-based cream and nutritional yeast
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added cream or water