Description
This Tomato Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a creamy tomato and garlic sauce. Enhanced with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese, it makes a perfect comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the tomatoes soften and flavors meld.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well blended, creating a rich texture.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy tomato garlic sauce. Toss the noodles thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, then garnish with freshly chopped basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Make sure to sauté the garlic gently to avoid bitterness from burning.
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor; cherry tomatoes can be a good alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
