Quick Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
A creamy and comforting pasta dish that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any type) Aim for al dente
- 2 tablespoons butter Or olive oil for dairy-free
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Concentrates umami and color
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce Choose a low-acid brand
- 3/4 cup heavy cream Use full-fat for the best texture
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions, subtracting 1-2 minutes so the pasta finishes in the sauce and stays al dente.
- The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite and look plump, not translucent or frayed.
Sautéing the Garlic
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- You should smell a strong, warm garlic aroma; if the garlic looks golden brown, reduce heat — browned garlic tastes bitter.
Building the Tomato Base
- Stir the tomato paste into the garlic and cook it for 1 minute to caramelize and deepen flavor. Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- The paste will darken slightly and cling to the pan before you add the sauce — that toasted look and nuttiness is what you want.
Finalizing the Sauce
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Add Italian seasoning, and taste for salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
- The sauce should look velvety and coat the back of a spoon; if it splits or looks oily, lower the heat and whisk vigorously.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of cooking water. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved water a tablespoon at a time to loosen as needed.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
- The finished dish should cling together — not dry or swimming in liquid — with a smooth, satiny sauce coating every piece.
Notes
This pasta dish is versatile and can be modified to be vegan or include meats. Perfect for meal prep leftovers.