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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Alysse

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

A luxurious pasta dish that combines rich creaminess with tangy tomatoes and aromatic garlic - perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 454g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tablespoons salt for pasta water
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6-8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 can 28oz/800g San Marzano whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare ingredients: mince garlic, dice onion, and crush tomatoes if using whole.
  2. Cook pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onions until translucent (3-4 minutes).
  4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30-60 seconds).
  5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add crushed tomatoes, herbs, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Simmer sauce for 10-12 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in cream while stirring. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Add drained pasta to sauce and toss to combine. Cook 1-2 minutes more.
  9. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
  • Customize with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.