Name: Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly this pasta comes together with pantry staples. In under 30 minutes, I have a creamy, savory dish that tastes like something from my favorite Italian restaurant. The garlic brings bold aroma, the tomatoes add depth, and the cream gives it that smooth, silky texture I crave. It’s also completely customizable—I can add veggies, chicken, or shrimp if I want to make it heartier. Best of all, it’s a one-pan sauce that makes cleanup a breeze.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
olive oil
garlic cloves
crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

I begin by boiling the pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. I reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the garlic until it’s golden and fragrant.
I stir in the crushed tomatoes and let them simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the flavor.
Next, I pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. I add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
I toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up.
I finish it off with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil or parsley. Then I serve it warm, right away.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes roughly 25–30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or an easy dinner on a busy evening.

Variations

Sometimes I stir in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for more texture and flavor. When I want protein, I add grilled chicken or shrimp. For a dairy-free version, I use coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan. This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt depending on what I have in my fridge.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess. I avoid reheating it too long so the sauce stays smooth and the pasta doesn’t get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, I’ve used both. Canned tomato sauce will be smoother, while crushed tomatoes give more texture. Either works, depending on what I prefer.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

I like using spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic feel, but short pastas like penne or rigatoni also hold the sauce well. It’s really about personal preference.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, but I find it tastes best fresh. If I need to make it ahead, I slightly undercook the pasta and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

I add extra red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or hot sauce. It gives the sauce a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Is there a vegan version of this pasta?

Absolutely. I swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. The garlic and tomato base stays just as flavorful.

Conclusion

This Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something incredibly satisfying. It’s fast, flavorful, and always a hit whether I’m cooking for myself or serving it up to family. I keep this recipe in regular rotation because it delivers comfort and taste in every bite—without taking hours to make.

Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe