Name: Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb (450 g) fresh tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream; 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped; Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Introduction

This Creamy Fresh Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining ripe tomatoes with garlic, cream, and Parmesan, it delivers a rich and comforting meal that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with a nest of golden spaghetti pasta forms the base layer, cooked to a soft texture and glistening with a light coating of oil or sauce. On top, there is a generous layer of juicy, halved cherry tomatoes, bright red with a slightly roasted look, some showing charred edges. Scattered finely chopped fresh green basil leaves add a touch of freshness and color contrast. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of finely grated white cheese and a dusting of black pepper scattered evenly over the top, creating a textured and vibrant visual. The dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450 g) fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
Additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and form a sauce, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
Step 7: Divide the creamy fresh tomato garlic pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the tomatoes.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a spicy kick.
Use fresh mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different creamy texture.
If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a nest of golden yellow spaghetti pasta, twisted into one main layer that creates a soft spiral shape. Scattered on top are bright red, roasted cherry tomato halves with a slightly wrinkled texture, adding vivid color and juiciness. Over the tomatoes and pasta, there is a light dusting of finely grated white cheese, which sparkles under the light. Small green basil leaves are chopped and sprinkled evenly across the dish, adding a fresh contrast. The pasta also shows tiny black specks of ground pepper spread throughout. The bowl sits on a surface with white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese in place of Parmesan.