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Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

A quick and comforting creamy tomato garlic pasta made with simple ingredients, rich flavor, and a silky sauce that coats every bite.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutesServings: 4Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian-InspiredCalories: ~520 kcal per serving

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Sauté Garlic
  4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add Tomatoes
  6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
  7. Make It Creamy
  8. Reduce heat and slowly stir in the cream until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  9. Combine Pasta & Sauce
  10. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  11. Finish
  12. Stir in Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish and serve immediately.