Description
A creamy and flavorful Tomato Garlic Pasta recipe that combines al dente spaghetti with a rich tomato and garlic sauce, enhanced with fresh basil and a touch of heavy cream. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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 pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown, being careful not to burn it for a fragrant base.
- Add Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is well blended and creamy, creating a rich texture.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, then top with freshly chopped basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, flavorful tomatoes to enhance the sauce taste.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds depth and richness to the dish.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Ensure the pasta is well drained to keep the sauce creamy without thinning it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian