Easy Garlic Tomato Pasta – Creamy, Cozy & Flavor-Packed

If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen—this Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta is your dream dish. Rich, velvety tomato sauce meets sweet roasted garlic and a swirl of cream, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that tastes gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or lazy Sundays, this pasta is comfort food made simple, and it will become a favorite in your rotation.

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Introduction: Fast, Creamy, and Full of Flavor

Sometimes, you just want a bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug—but without the heavy prep or cleanup. That’s exactly what this creamy garlic tomato pasta delivers. It’s inspired by the classic Italian tomato sauces we all love, but with an added silky twist thanks to a splash of cream and plenty of garlic.

This dish is a true pantry hero. Using mostly shelf-stable ingredients—canned tomatoes, dry pasta, cream, garlic, and olive oil—you can whip it up at a moment’s notice. And the flavor? Rich, tangy, buttery, and comforting.

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Ingredient Overview: What You’ll Need

Pasta

Use what you have on hand! Penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even linguine work beautifully. Short pasta clings to the sauce, while long pasta creates an elegant swirl.

Garlic

Use plenty—6 to 8 cloves. Sautéed until golden, garlic brings sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Passata

These form the base of your sauce. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half

Cream adds luscious texture and softens the acidity of the tomatoes. For a lighter version, half-and-half works too.

Olive Oil

Used for sautéing garlic and adding richness to the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated fresh for salty, nutty flavor. It also helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Salt, Pepper, and Optional Red Pepper Flakes

Essential for balancing and seasoning. Add chili flakes if you like a touch of heat.

Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional)

For garnish and a pop of freshness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook 12 oz of pasta until al dente.

• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté the Garlic

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

• Add 6–8 cloves garlic, minced or finely sliced.

• Sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.

3. Add Tomatoes

• Pour in 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes or passata.

• Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Stir in the Cream

• Lower the heat and add ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half).

• Stir until fully incorporated and the sauce turns a rosy pink color.

• Simmer for another 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Combine with Pasta

• Add the drained pasta to the skillet.

• Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

6. Add Cheese and Finish

• Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan.

• Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for the Best Results:

• Don’t overcook the garlic—burnt garlic will turn bitter.

• Use good-quality canned tomatoes for deeper flavor.

• Always reserve pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce.

Variations:

• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.

• Make it vegan: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese.

• Spicy kick: Add Calabrian chili paste or extra chili flakes.

• Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.

Substitutions:

• Cream: Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or Greek yogurt.

• Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano for a saltier finish.

• Garlic: Roast it first for a sweeter, mellow sauce.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Weeknight Dinner

Fast and filling, this recipe is ideal when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Fancy Yet Easy Date Night

Serve it with wine, a green salad, and garlic bread for an effortless romantic meal.

Meal Prep

Make a batch and reheat during the week—it tastes even better the next day.

Pairings:

• Side: Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread

• Drink: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon

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Nutrition & Health Notes

This pasta offers balance and flexibility depending on how you prepare it:

Comfort Without Excess

You’re getting creamy satisfaction without heavy butter or meat.

Customizable for Dietary Needs

Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream alternatives to fit your lifestyle.

Packed with Lycopene

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Add Veggies or Protein for a Boost

Toss in sautéed greens or lean meat to turn it into a complete meal.

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FAQ

1. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

2. How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer. Roma or plum tomatoes work best—blanch, peel, and chop before cooking.

4. What type of pasta is best?

Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, and spaghetti all work well. Short pasta holds sauce in every bite, while long pasta gives an elegant twirl.

5. Can I add protein?

Definitely. Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, crispy pancetta, or chickpeas for a boost of protein.

6. Is this spicy?

It’s not inherently spicy. Add red pepper flakes or chili paste if you want heat.

7. Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

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