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A serving of creamy tomato garlic pasta in a white bowl with fresh basil.

Classic Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

This classic creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe creates a rich and flavorful dish with al dente pasta coated in a luxurious tomato cream sauce, infused with plenty of garlic and fresh basil. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet or Dutch Oven

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti work wonderfully)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced (don't skimp here, the garlic is key!)
  • 1 (28-ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes (good quality makes a difference)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (for garnish and an extra layer of flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes Pinch (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Cook your preferred pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserving one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, covered, to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
  • Uncover the sauce, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  • Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring well; if too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then garnish generously with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, consider using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream. This recipe is also great with added grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.