The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

Name: The Best Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 400g canned crushed tomatoes; 200ml heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of this creamy garlic tomato pasta that's ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines fresh tomatoes, creamy sauce, and aromatic garlic for a delightful meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor!

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-01T07:30:28.628Z

This creamy garlic tomato pasta is a family favorite, perfect for any night of the week.

A Perfect Weeknight Meal

This creamy garlic tomato pasta is the ultimate choice for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and satisfying. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, you can easily whip up this meal after a long day. It's a lifesaver for families, ensuring that dinner isn't just a routine chore but an enjoyable and flavorful experience for everyone at the table.

The combination of fresh ingredients and a rich, creamy sauce makes this pasta dish a delightful treat. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this recipe adapts to suit all tastes. Plus, it's a versatile dish—swap out spaghetti for your favorite pasta shape and experiment with different herbs for a personalized touch.

Flavorful Ingredients

The key to this pasta's amazing flavor lies in its fresh and simple ingredients. The crushed tomatoes provide a base that's both tangy and sweet, offering a delicious contrast to the richness of heavy cream. Minced garlic brings a depth of flavor and aroma that elevates the dish to new heights, making it comforting and decadent.

Olive oil, used to sauté the garlic, infuses the sauce with healthy fats that complement the other ingredients nicely. Fresh basil as a garnish adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that ties the dish together beautifully. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best aspects of this creamy garlic tomato pasta recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For a heartier variation, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for an added nutrition boost.

If you're looking to lighten up the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping; simply scale up the ingredients and store individual portions for a quick and tasty lunch during the week.

Ingredients

Pasta

200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned crushed tomatoes
200ml heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine

Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

Serve

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil. Enjoy!

This dish is best served immediately.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

To ensure your pasta is cooked perfectly, follow the package instructions closely. Remember that pasta continues to cook slightly even after being drained, so aim for al dente for the best texture in your final dish. Additionally, reserving a bit of pasta water can help adjust the sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick.

When sautéing garlic, be careful not to burn it. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly for even cooking to unlock its full garlicky flavor without any unpleasant aftertaste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your creamy garlic tomato pasta with a light salad or garlic bread to create a complete meal. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast.

For wine lovers, consider serving this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. Both options enhance the flavors of the pasta and make for a delightful dining experience.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to maintain the sauce's consistency and creaminess.

If you plan to freeze your pasta, keep in mind that the cream may slightly alter in texture upon thawing. Consider freezing the pasta and sauce separately, which will help maintain their original textures and flavors when reheated.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta type works well with this sauce.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian as is since it does not include meat.