A Cozy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta You’ll Love
Hey there! If you’re like me, sometimes all I want is a comforting, creamy pasta that comes together quickly without fuss. This creamy tomato garlic penne is exactly that – rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of garlicky goodness. I love making this when I want a satisfying meal that feels homemade yet is ready in no time. Plus, it’s pretty flexible, so you can tweak it to your taste or pantry supplies.
Why This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Is a Great Pick
This recipe brings a few special benefits to the table. First, you get a lovely dose of tomatoes, which are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene that can support heart health. The garlic adds a punch of flavor but also offers immunity-boosting properties. And let’s not forget the parmesan cheese and cream – they add richness and calcium to keep things balanced and delicious.
Simple Variations You Can Try
- Make it lighter: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Extra veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add nutrients and texture.
- Dairy-free version: Use a vegan cheese alternative and a plant-based cream to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
- Cheese swap: Try shredded mozzarella for that melty, stretchy feel or pecorino romano for a sharper bite.
Step-by-Step Creamy Tomato Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- ½ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once ready, drain and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until it smells amazing and turns lightly golden – about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it, though!
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the heavy cream and mix well until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
- Gradually sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky and luscious.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of spice, add the optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce. Toss everything carefully so each piece is coated with that delicious creamy sauce. Let it cook together for 1-2 minutes so the pasta absorbs a bit of the sauce.
- Turn off the heat, then gently fold in the fresh chopped parsley or basil. This adds a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Serve your creamy tomato garlic pasta right away. For an extra touch, sprinkle more cheese or herbs on top before digging in. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips to Make Your Pasta Perfect
- If you want even more garlicky flavor, roast your garlic beforehand or add a bit of garlic powder with the fresh garlic.
- Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to your sauce can help loosen it and make it stick better to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente texture gives the best bite and stops it from turning mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to return its creaminess.
- If you want to save prep time, mince your garlic ahead of time or use pre-minced garlic, but fresh always tastes best.
Equipment You’ll Find Handy
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A colander to drain the pasta
- A large skillet or frying pan to cook the sauce and toss the pasta
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
- A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy
- A grater for fresh parmesan cheese
Your Questions Answered: FAQs About This Recipe
- Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! Penne is great because it holds sauce well, but fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can work too.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour for thickness, but it won’t be as rich.
- Is it okay to use canned crushed tomatoes? Yes, canned crushed tomatoes or a good quality tomato sauce both work perfectly.
- Can I make this vegan? With some swaps like vegan cheese and coconut or oat cream, you can absolutely create a tasty vegan version.
- How spicy is the optional red pepper flakes? Just a pinch adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish; add more to suit your heat preference.
Try It Out and Share Your Delicious Creations!
I hope you’re as excited as I am for this creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. If you give it a try, be sure to share your photos and thoughts with me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your versions and hear how you made it your own. Let’s keep cooking and enjoying great food together!
