Introduction
Transform humble pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy creamy tomato garlic pasta in just 20 minutes! This recipe is your weeknight savior, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even your family!) with this quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it balances simple, fresh flavors with incredible speed and ease. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and vibrant, thanks to a clever shortcut that cuts down on prep time drastically. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
Key Ingredients
🍅 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧅 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
🌿 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
🍝 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
🧀 1/2 cup heavy cream
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta: 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.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3️⃣ Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4️⃣ Create the creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Combine and serve: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-minced garlic to save even more time!
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon).
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for this recipe. Low heat would take too long to cook the sauce, and high heat could scorch the garlic and tomatoes before they’re fully cooked. Keep a close eye on the sauce and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe is primarily creamy, you can add a little crunch by topping with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- A splash of white wine added during the simmering stage elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- Roast the garlic beforehand for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce may thicken slightly upon reheating; add a little pasta water or cream to adjust the consistency.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This pasta is perfect for a potluck or a casual dinner party! If you’re gifting it, consider presenting the sauce in a pretty jar and including instructions for cooking the pasta separately. A small sprig of fresh basil tied to the jar adds a nice touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
🌟 Meaty: Brown some ground Italian sausage or crumbled bacon before adding the onion and garlic for a heartier dish.
🌟 Vegetarian: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
🌟 Herby: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thick: Add a little pasta water or cream to thin it out.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Pasta overcooked: Make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and check for doneness frequently.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of pasta? Yes! Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and farfalle all work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving and combine.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
- Can I freeze this? It’s best not to freeze this recipe as the texture may change.
- Is this recipe gluten-free adaptable? Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is your new go-to weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and adaptable. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the taste of a restaurant-quality meal made in minutes! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious creamy tomato garlic pasta that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautu00e9 for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes when sautu00e9ing the garlic.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.