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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta in 30 Minutes

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A rich and comforting creamy tomato garlic pasta made with simple pantry ingredients in just 30 minutes. The velvety tomato cream sauce is perfectly balanced with savory garlic and Parmesan, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14–15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
  • For added vegetables, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • For a richer texture, replace part of the cream with cream cheese.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and slightly reduce the cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta-in-30-minutes/