Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta
A bright and garlicky pasta dish with fresh tomato flavor and a luxuriously creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Produce
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) fresh tomatoes, chopped Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced Don't overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped Stir in just before serving.
Dairy
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Pantry & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente; reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Cooking
- Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, until they start to break down and form a sauce, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream; simmer for about 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add the grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Stir in the chopped basil.
Serving
- Divide among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water. For variations, consider adding protein or other vegetables.