Classic Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
This creamy tomato garlic pasta offers a rich and comforting experience, blending al dente pasta with a luscious tomato sauce enriched with garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any weeknight meal.
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (450g) Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti recommended
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin for best flavor
- 6-8 cloves garlic Minced, or finely crushed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28-ounce/794g) San Marzano often preferred
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water; drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Uncover the sauce, stir in heavy cream, and simmer gently for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss vigorously until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese melts; add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.
Notes
For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine with the tomatoes. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.