Craving a comforting bowl of pasta that’s bursting with flavor and ridiculously easy to make? Look no further! This Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is your answer. This recipe is for a rich, decadent, yet surprisingly simple way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite, all ready in under 30 minutes.
What is Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta?
Have you ever wondered why some dishes just sound so good? Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta… it rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? But where did it come from? Was it invented by a garlic-obsessed grandma? Or maybe a tomato farmer looking for a new way to showcase his crop? We may never know the true origins of this culinary delight.
Although, as there is the saying, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Either way, it’s a name that promises deliciousness, and this pasta definitely delivers. So, put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta:
This Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a culinary triple threat! First, the creamy tomato sauce is the star, perfectly balanced with the pungent kick of garlic. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to lick from the plate (we won’t judge!). Second, ditch the pricey restaurant meals! This dish is surprisingly affordable to make at home, using pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
Third, feel free to get creative with toppings! Add a sprinkle of fresh basil, a generous grating of Parmesan cheese, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s totally customizable to your liking. For a similar, broth-based pasta experience, try our Lemon Garlic Pasta. Sound tasty? Time to get cooking and invite friends over for dinner.
Key Ingredients for Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta:
Here’s a list with images of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable dish:
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine all work well).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the garlic.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, the more the better!
- Tomato Paste: 6 ounces, this is the base of our rich tomato flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces, providing the body of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for that luxurious creamy texture.
- Vegetable Broth: 1/2 cup to thin out the sauce.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, for an earthy, herbaceous note.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon, adding sweet and savory flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional), for a touch of spice.
- Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
- Salt and Pepper: to taste, essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.
How to Make Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta:
This Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor; therefore, a quick meal without sacrificing taste. It starts with a base of fragrant garlic, bloomed in olive oil, followed by the richness of tomato paste and the heartiness of crushed tomatoes. A splash of heavy cream transforms it into a velvety indulgence.
The entire cooking time takes about 25 minutes, all the while, providing an experience that’s ready in no time, leaving you with a restaurant-quality meal on a weeknight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste into the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to caramelize the paste and deepen its flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer & Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. The simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to combine and warm through. Do not boil the sauce after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
Combine and Add Pasta Water: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. You can also add extra red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
What to Serve Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta With:
This creamy pasta dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that never disappoints! The crispy, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier option, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add some protein to your meal with grilled chicken or shrimp. Season them simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic for a complementary flavor.
- A Glass of Wine: A light-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Chianti, pairs wonderfully with tomato-based pasta dishes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta:
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic will ruin the entire dish and make it too bitter to enjoy. Cook it over medium heat and watch it closely.
- Use High-Quality Tomato Paste: The quality of the tomato paste greatly affects the flavor of the sauce. Opt for a good brand for the best results.
- Adjust the Consistency: The pasta water trick is a game-changer! Don’t be afraid to add more or less until you reach the perfect creamy consistency for your sauce.
- **Spice It Up (If You Like!)**Add some cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add Veggies: Some spinach added towards the end is a great way to add extra nutrients.
- Cheese Please: Romano or Pecorino cheese work well.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Let the pasta cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat and dry it out.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze this pasta. The texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting and delicious experience that you can create in your very own kitchen. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, date-night extravagance, or lazy Sunday lunch. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow directions, and customizable flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking, because a bowl of creamy, flavorful happiness awaits!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: While you can use milk, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream. If you prefer a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce might be a bit thinner.
Q: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or even chickpeas would all be great additions. Add the protein to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Definitely! Any pasta shape will work with this sauce. Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even ravioli would all be delicious.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and then add the cooked pasta.
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. To make it vegan, you can use a plant-based cream alternative and vegan Parmesan cheese.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest