Name: Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe for a Quick Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti or linguine works great); 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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You know those nights when you’re tired, hungry, and just a little bit dramatic about it? That’s exactly when I reach for my easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. Loaded with juicy tomatoes, garlic so good it should come with a warning label, and a sauce so silky you’ll want to swim in it. At Elena Cooks, we believe good food shouldn’t require a culinary degree or a mountain of dirty dishes. This dish brings comfort, flavor, and minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or, let’s be honest, any day ending in ‘y’.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
4) How to Make Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
5) Tips for Making Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
6) Making Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
8) Try these Pasta & Pizza next!
9) Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How to make a creamy tomato garlic sauce at home
Why pasta with a creamy tomato garlic sauce is perfect for quick dinners
Secrets to nailing an easy creamy tomato pasta without heavy effort

2) Easy Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

When your day feels longer than a Monday morning meeting, nothing beats whipping up a pot of easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta. The mix of tender noodles, sweet tomatoes, and rich, garlicky cream feels like the culinary version of putting on your comfiest pajamas. At Elena Cooks, simple food like this easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta is our love language.

I love that it uses pantry staples but still delivers restaurant-quality taste. You won’t need any fancy tricks, just a little stirring, a little simmering, and a big appetite. This easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta also keeps things low-fuss with minimal dishes afterward. And the sauce? Oh, that sauce could probably fix a broken heart if it needed to.

If you’re anything like me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for when you need something amazing in 20 minutes flat. Grab your fork. You’re going to want in.

3) Ingredients for Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Pasta: Pick your favorite shape here, but spaghetti or linguine are classics for a reason. They grab onto that creamy tomato garlic sauce like their life depends on it.

Olive Oil: A good drizzle is what starts building those deep, rich flavors. I like to use extra virgin olive oil for its smooth finish.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference here. It should smell strong enough to make your neighbors jealous.

Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes, juice and all, gives the sauce its signature body and that perfect sweet tang.

Heavy Cream: Just a splash transforms the tomato base into something luxurious and crave-worthy. Think velvet on a fork.

Salt and Pepper: Basic, yes. But they’re the secret behind every dish that tastes ‘just right.’

Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if you can. Pre-shredded will do in a pinch, but fresh Parm makes the whole thing sing.

Fresh Basil (optional): A few leaves torn right over the top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that lifts the whole dish.

4) How to Make Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain it, but save about a half cup of the starchy water for later magic.

Step 2: While the pasta’s cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it smells incredible and looks just golden, about a minute.

Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Let everything bubble gently together for about five minutes, stirring now and then like you’re stirring up a little happiness.

Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Keep it moving until the sauce thickens slightly and turns a dreamy pink color.

Step 5: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce. Toss it all together, letting the sauce cling to every strand.

Step 6: Sprinkle in the Parmesan, stir once more, and serve right away with fresh basil on top if you’re feeling a little extra.

5) Tips for Making Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Cook your pasta just to al dente. Trust me, mushy noodles are no one’s idea of a good time. The little bite left in the center holds up better once you toss everything together in that creamy tomato garlic sauce.

Be patient with the garlic. Watch it closely. Burnt garlic can go from hero to zero faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.” We want fragrant and golden, not bitter and sad.

Don’t skip saving that pasta water. A splash at the end loosens the sauce perfectly without watering down the flavor. It’s like liquid gold for pasta sauces.

6) Making Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Ahead of Time

While this easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta really shines when it’s fresh, you can totally prep parts ahead. Cook the sauce earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge. Then just reheat gently while you boil your pasta.

Or, cook the whole thing, toss it with a little extra cream or reserved pasta water, and reheat gently over low heat later. It’s not exactly the same fresh magic, but it’s still darn good.

Big tip: if you’re planning leftovers, leave the fresh basil off until right before serving so it stays nice and bright instead of wilting into a sad little memory of itself.

7) Storing Leftover Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of water to revive that silky sauce magic.

Microwave in short bursts and stir often or gently warm in a pan over low heat. It’s the pasta version of hitting the snooze button — just enough to bring it back to life without any drama.

If you notice the sauce getting a little clingy and thick, that’s totally normal. Just show it a little love with a splash of liquid and keep stirring.

8) Try these Pasta & Pizza next!

9) Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe