why make this recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the freshness of ripe tomatoes and the boldness of garlic. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that offers comfort and satisfaction. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious or for a cozy family dinner. It’s simple to make and uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it a great choice for cooks of all skill levels.
how to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients :
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until well blended.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal.
how to store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to keep it moist.
tips to make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, canned tomatoes can work too.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired.
variation (if any)
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
FAQs
1. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PASTA?
YES, FEEL FREE TO USE ANY PASTA SHAPE YOU PREFER, SUCH AS PENNE, ROTINI, RIGATONI, OR FARFALLE. SHORT PASTA SHAPES ARE GREAT BECAUSE THEY HOLD ONTO THE SAUCE IN THEIR RIDGES AND CURVES, MAKING EACH BITE EXTRA CREAMY. JUST COOK THE PASTA ACCORDING TO THE PACKAGE DIRECTIONS UNTIL AL DENTE, THEN TOSS IT WELL WITH THE SAUCE SO IT’S EVENLY COATED.
2. IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE THIS RECIPE LIGHTER?
YES, YOU CAN LIGHTEN THIS RECIPE IN A FEW EASY WAYS. SUBSTITUTE HEAVY CREAM WITH HALF-AND-HALF OR A LIGHTER CREAM OPTION TO REDUCE THE FAT AND CALORIES. YOU CAN ALSO USE A LITTLE PASTA COOKING WATER TO THIN THE SAUCE INSTEAD OF USING EXTRA CREAM. ADDING MORE VEGETABLES, LIKE SPINACH OR ZUCCHINI, AND SERVING A SMALLER PORTION OF PASTA WITH A SIDE SALAD CAN ALSO HELP BALANCE THE MEAL WHILE KEEPING IT SATISFYING.
3. CAN I MAKE THIS VEGETARIAN?
ABSOLUTELY! THIS RECIPE IS ALREADY VEGETARIAN AS WRITTEN, SINCE IT CONTAINS NO MEAT. YOU CAN BOOST THE NUTRITION BY ADDING EXTRA VEGETABLES LIKE SPINACH, BELL PEPPERS, MUSHROOMS, OR PEAS. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT DAIRY-FREE AS WELL, SIMPLY SWAP THE HEAVY CREAM FOR COCONUT MILK OR A PLANT-BASED CREAM ALTERNATIVE AND USE A DAIRY-FREE PARMESAN-STYLE CHEESE OR SKIP THE CHEESE ENTIRELY. THIS WAY, YOU KEEP THE CREAMY TEXTURE WHILE MAKING IT SUITABLE FOR MORE DIETARY PREFERENCES.