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Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta served as a delicious and vibrant featured image.

Quick Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

This recipe delivers a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with a perfect balance of tangy tomato, pungent garlic, and rich creaminess. The key is to control the temperature and acidity to prevent the sauce from separating, resulting in a luscious and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • colander
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Grater
  • Chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not boil the sauce after adding the cream.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality Parmesan cheese. To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure the tomato sauce is not too acidic; simmering it for a longer time helps. You can also temper the cream by stirring in a spoonful of the hot tomato sauce before adding it to the entire batch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if needed.