DREAMY GARLIC TOMATO PASTA

Craving comfort food that’s both easy and impressive?

Let’s be honest, sometimes the best meals are the ones that come together quickly and taste like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. Say hello to the Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta – Dreamy! This dish is so simple, yet the combination of creamy, garlicky, tomatoey goodness is truly unforgettable. Get ready to create a pasta masterpiece that will become a weeknight staple!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this dreamy pasta:

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Creamy Garlic Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step to Pasta Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This is so easy, I promise you can’t mess it up.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Seriously, salt it generously – like the sea! This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Nobody wants mushy pasta!
3. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This is liquid gold! We’ll use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Making the Creamy Garlic Tomato Sauce:

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic is bitter!
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
4. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Why This Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Will Become Your Go-To

This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a *feeling*. It’s the warmth of the garlic, the tang of the tomatoes, and the luxurious creaminess that all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable! It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can always add other ingredients to make a unique pasta dish that suits your taste!

Tips for an Even Dreamier Experience

Let’s elevate this pasta from “delicious” to “absolutely unforgettable!”

Garlic is King (But Don’t Overcook Him!):

Freshly minced garlic is key! Jarred garlic just doesn’t have the same punch. Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking. We want it golden, not burnt. If you’re worried about burning it, add it to the oil over medium-low heat and stir frequently.

The Power of Pasta Water:

Seriously, don’t skip reserving the pasta water! It’s starchy and salty, and it helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky smooth texture. It’s the secret ingredient that chefs use to make their pasta dishes so good.

Creamy Without the Guilt (Maybe):

While heavy cream adds richness, you can lighten things up by using half-and-half or even milk. Just be aware that the sauce won’t be quite as thick, so you might need to simmer it a little longer to reduce it.

Spice It Up (Or Not!):

The red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat, but they’re completely optional. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to leave them out. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar effect.

Fresh is Best (Especially the Basil!):

Fresh basil is the perfect finishing touch to this dish. It adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but fresh is always better. You can even grow your own basil at home!

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Some Protein:

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would all be delicious additions to this pasta. Cook the protein separately and add it to the sauce along with the pasta. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or white beans.

Vegetable Power:

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be great additions to the sauce. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until tender.

Cheesy Goodness:

Experiment with different types of cheese! Mozzarella, ricotta, or even a little goat cheese would all be delicious. Add the cheese to the sauce along with the Parmesan.

A Touch of Wine:

Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce after cooking the garlic. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes. This will add a layer of complexity to the flavor.

Serving Suggestions (Because Presentation Matters!)

While this pasta is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

Garlic Bread:

Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I mean, who can resist garlic bread?

Salad:

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich pasta dish.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus would be a healthy and delicious side dish.

Craving More Pasta Adventures?

If you’re in the mood for more delicious pasta dishes, be sure to check out some of my other favorites! For another creamy delight, you might enjoy GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA. If you are looking for something a little more elegant, why not try CREAMY CHICKEN FLORENTINE? For something with a unique flavor profile, check out HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA. And if you’re feeling ambitious, PASTA BOLOGNESE is a classic for a reason. Or, for a simpler, but equally satisfying meal, try GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA. You might also like this CREAMY GARLIC TOMATO PASTA!

Ready to Devour?

So, there you have it! The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta – Dreamy! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Dreamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This creamy garlic tomato pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of rich tomato sauce, fragrant garlic, and creamy Parmesan creates an unforgettable pasta experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet or pot
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Garlic press (optional)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape
• Salt, for pasta water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
• Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. To prevent the garlic from burning, cook it over medium-low heat and stir frequently. You can substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may require simmering longer to thicken. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a heartier meal.