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Creamy tomato garlic pasta in a skillet, topped with parmesan and fresh basil, served with garlic bread and tomatoes.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (Rich, Cozy & Full of Flavor)

Creamy tomato garlic pasta is a rich, cozy comfort dish with a smooth velvety tomato-cream sauce and bold garlic flavor. It’s quick to make, tastes restaurant-style, and works perfectly for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley
  • ½ cup pasta water

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using). Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and don’t brown it too much to avoid bitterness.
  • Cook the tomato paste briefly to deepen the sauce and remove the raw taste.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half.
  • When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.