Description
This easy and creamy fresh tomato garlic pasta is a quick, indulgent meal perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan, this 25-minute recipe is comforting, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes (cherry, Roma, or vine-ripened), diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain. - Prepare the Tomatoes:
Dice fresh tomatoes. If using cherry tomatoes, cut in half; for larger tomatoes, remove seeds for a smoother sauce. - Sauté the Garlic:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. - Cook the Tomatoes:
Add diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices. - Make the Cream Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly, adjusting the sauce consistency with more pasta water if needed. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream/milk, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
- Customizations: Add protein like chicken or shrimp, boost veggies with spinach or zucchini, or adjust spice levels with chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: Creamy tomato garlic pasta Easy weeknight pasta recipe Fresh tomato pasta Quick creamy pasta 25-minute pasta dish