Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta recipe combines fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce for an unforgettable dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a versatile and crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that uses simple ingredients for maximum flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Garlic press (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add sugar if desired.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let the sauce boil.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, roast the garlic before mincing. Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Taste the sauce at the end and adjust seasoning to your preference.