If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines comfort and elegance, this Tomato Garlic Pasta with Creamy Basil and Parmesan Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of robust garlic, fresh tomatoes, and luscious cream, all enveloped by silky pasta and brightened with fragrant basil. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy get-together, this recipe promises to fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with rich, indulgent flavors that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heartbeat of this pasta dish. Each one plays a key role in crafting the creamy texture, vibrant color, and rich flavor that make this recipe truly special.
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: The classic pasta shapes that soak up the sauce beautifully while offering the ideal texture.
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced): Juicy and sweet tomatoes give the sauce its natural tang and vibrant red hue.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Garlic provides that irresistible savory punch that flavors the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic to a golden perfection without overpowering the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the pasta irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the ingredients harmoniously.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped): Adds brightness and herbal freshness that balances the creamy sauce.
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this savory cheese gives an extra depth of flavor that’s pure magic.
How to Make Tomato Garlic Pasta with Creamy Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente bite. Be sure to drain it well to keep the noodles from getting soggy once they hit the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns a beautiful golden brown and lets off a mouthwatering aroma. Watch carefully here — garlic can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Now, toss in the diced ripe tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes and coax out their natural sweetness and depth. This simmering step is where the sauce starts to build its character.
Step 4: Incorporate the Heavy Cream
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This is where the sauce transforms from simple tomato base to a rich, luscious creation. Stir consistently to blend the cream with the tomatoes until you have a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta
Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every noodle is generously coated in that creamy, flavorful goodness. This is the moment when the dish comes together perfectly.
Step 6: Finish with Basil and Parmesan
Plate your pasta servings, then sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for that refreshing herbal punch. Don’t forget the optional grated Parmesan cheese — it adds a salty, nutty finish that truly elevates the dish.
How to Serve Tomato Garlic Pasta with Creamy Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must for garnish, bringing color and brightness. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil can also be wonderful finishing touches. And of course, a bit more Parmesan for those who love it cheesy and rich.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is a classic option, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, each topped with a small basil leaf and a Parmesan crisp. You could also swirl some pesto into the sauce before tossing the pasta for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor and a brighter green appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken, so a splash of cream or milk when reheating helps maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as beautifully as it tastes fresh because cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. However, you can freeze the sauce separately (without pasta) for up to 1 month, thawing and stirring well before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers over low heat, adding a little cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep everything silky smooth. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, works well too if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, use high-quality canned diced tomatoes for a slightly different but still delicious flavor. Just drain some of the juice if it’s too watery before adding to the skillet.
Is there a way to make this pasta vegan?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will shift slightly but it will still be indulgently creamy and satisfying.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti and fettuccine are both ideal because their shape allows them to hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to experiment with penne or rigatoni if you prefer tube-shaped pasta.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu cubes can be fantastic additions, making the dish more filling while complementing the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook garlic on medium or medium-low heat and stir frequently. Removing it from the heat just as it turns light golden prevents that bitter burnt taste and keeps the flavor mellow and aromatic.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Garlic Pasta with Creamy Basil and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple enough for casual nights yet impressive enough for company. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing joy with every bite and plenty of happy memories at your table.
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Tomato Garlic Pasta with Creamy Basil and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring al dente spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a fragrant sauce made from sautéed garlic, ripe tomatoes, and rich heavy cream, it’s garnished with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and releases its fragrance, making sure it does not burn.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to merge beautifully.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and creamy in texture.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy tomato garlic sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, then top it with freshly chopped basil and sprinkle optional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and freshness. Serve hot.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream substitute for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami boost.
- Reserve some pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
