Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes and garlic with a creamy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests.
This recipe is simple, satisfying, and bursting with taste, making it a family favorite.
How To Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta, keeping a little bit of the cooking water. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if you need to adjust the consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time And Nutrition Facts
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people and each serving has about 350 calories, with around 10 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat.
How To Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Serve this dish hot, right after mixing the pasta with the sauce. You can add fresh basil or parsley on top for a nice touch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor even more. Pair it with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How To Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, add a little water or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Tips To Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- You can use any kind of pasta you like—whole wheat or gluten-free options are also great.
- For more flavor, add some red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
- Make it healthier by using light cream or substituting half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth.
Health And Benefits Of This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is not just delicious but also offers several health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which supports your immune system. Garlic has natural health benefits and may help lower blood pressure. The dish provides a good amount of protein from the Parmesan cheese, making it a balanced meal when served with a side of vegetables.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients. If you want a meatier option, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you might need to cook them longer until they break down into a sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
