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Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

A cozy, comforting pasta tossed in a silky tomato garlic cream sauce made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed evenings at home.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-InspiredKeyword: creamy tomato garlic pastaServings: 4 servings

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Tomato Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14–15 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • Creamy Finish
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
  • Optional Garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the cream until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  6. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.