Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

I love preparing Creamy Tomato Pasta with pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and diced tomatoes. I stir in a splash of heavy cream and a hint of red pepper flakes to create a delightful sauce. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor that makes this dish irresistibly satisfying.

I recently tried my hand at a new twist on a classic pasta dish and was surprised at how quick and simple it turned out. I started out by boiling 300g of pasta (I used penne this time) and heating up 2 tbsp of olive oil.

Once the oil was hot, I tossed in 4 garlic cloves that I minced myself until they got a bit golden. The next step was to add 1 can of diced tomatoes, letting everything bubble together just enough to fill the kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Then, I stirred in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with salt and pepper to taste, and even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Topping everything off with a few fresh basil leaves really brought the dish home.

This recipe is a great example of how a creamy tomato pasta dish can be both easy and seriously satisfying.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for so many reasons. First off, it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients, which means I can whip it up on a busy night without much hassle. I also really love the creamy tomato sauce; it feels so silky and rich even though its made with just diced tomatoes and cream. The garlic gives it that extra kick for flavor which makes every bite taste awesome, and I love how the olive oil helps carry that taste throughout. Lastly, the fresh basil garnish adds a nice bit of brightness to the dish that keeps it from tasting too heavy.

Ingredients

• 300g Pasta: Mainly carbohydrates that give energy and fiber while keeping the dish hearty.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Healthy fats that enhance flavor and help marry the garlic with the spices.
• 4 Garlic Cloves: These provide antioxidants and a punch of bold taste while adding a subtle spicy kick.
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes: They bring acidity, vitamin C, and a hint of natural sweetness to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream: Offers a smooth creaminess that balances the tomatoes’ tanginess and spice.

Ingredient Quantities

• 300g pasta (penne or spaghetti work best)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 300g of pasta till it’s al dente, then drain.

2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook ’em until they’re fragrant, which takes about a minute.

4. Stir in the can of 14 oz diced tomatoes along with 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

5. Let the tomato mixture simmer for 5 to 7 mins so the flavors can meld together.

6. Lower the heat and slowly pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream stirring constantly.

7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, stirring well until every piece is well coated.

9. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

10. Plate up your pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – used to boil the salted water for the pasta
2. Colander – to drain the pasta after it’s cooked
3. Skillet – for heating the olive oil and making the tomato sauce
4. Measuring cup – for accurately pouring the heavy cream
5. Measuring spoons – to measure olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
6. Knife – for mincing the garlic cloves
7. Cutting board – where you chop the garlic
8. Stirring spoon – needed for stirring the sauce consistently during cooking

FAQ

Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta – if you’re not into pork or wheat, try a gluten-free option like rice or quinoa pasta
• Olive oil – butter or avocado oil work pretty good in a pinch
• Garlic – if you run out of fresh garlic, use garlic powder instead, but use a little less cause it’s more intense
• Heavy cream – you can swap this with coconut cream for a dairy free twist or even half and half
• Red pepper flakes – if you dont have these, a pinch of cayenne pepper gives you a similar kick

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you salt your pasta water well – its the only chance your pasta has to get some flavor so don’t be stingy with the salt.
2. When you’re cooking the garlic, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn up; burnt garlic will make your sauce taste bitter.
3. Add the cream in slowly and keep stirring constantly; this helps avoid the cream curdling and makes sure your sauce is smooth.
4. Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes if you have time; this really helps the flavors mix together even better.