Description
If you’re craving a rich, cozy, and flavor-packed dish, this *Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta* is calling your name. It’s the ultimate easy dinner recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. This quick pasta dish combines al dente rigatoni with a velvety tomato cream sauce, roasted garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan, making it a go-to for pasta lovers. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a comfort food fix, or a creamy yet balanced pasta night, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—perfect for food ideas that impress without stress.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
1 dollop ricotta or burrata (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 6–8 minutes. Add sugar if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually for desired consistency.
6. Stir in Parmesan and basil until melted and fragrant. Adjust seasoning.
7. Plate the pasta, top with extra Parmesan, a dollop of ricotta or burrata, more basil, and cracked pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the creamiest results, always use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and tastes better than pre-shredded.
Reserve pasta water—it binds the sauce to the pasta for that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg