Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender fettuccine coated in a rich tomato and garlic sauce enhanced with cream, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering the sauce gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet containing the sauce. Toss thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms can boost the protein content and make the meal more substantial.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
