Easy Garlic Tomato Pasta – Creamy, Cozy & Flavor-Packed
A quick and easy creamy garlic tomato pasta made with pantry staples. This flavorful, comforting dish is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, rigatoni)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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6–8 garlic cloves, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
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¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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¼ cup chopped basil or parsley (optional)
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1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
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Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
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Stir in cream and cook for 3–4 minutes more.
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Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed.
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Stir in Parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
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Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
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Add chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it a full meal.
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Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days.