Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a rich, cozy dish perfect for busy weeknights. It features al dente pasta in a velvety tomato cream sauce with roasted garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 dollop ricotta or burrata (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 6–8 minutes. Add sugar if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually for desired consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan and basil until melted and fragrant. Adjust seasoning.
- Plate the pasta, top with extra Parmesan, a dollop of ricotta or burrata, more basil, and cracked pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, pasta, Italian recipe, quick dinner