Description
This Tomato Garlic Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a rich and creamy tomato garlic sauce. Enhanced with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines simplicity with delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, making sure not to burn it to preserve its fragrant aroma.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for about 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes and blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, creating a rich texture.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, then garnish with freshly chopped basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté until golden brown only.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory, cheesy dimension to the dish.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to maintain texture when tossed in the sauce.
