Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Alright, gather ’round, folks, because today we’re talking about a pasta dish so ridiculously good, it might just make you forget about that pile of laundry mocking you from the corner. This isn’t just any pasta; this is Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, a dish that swoops in like a culinary superhero on those nights when you’re craving something comforting, speedy, and loaded with so much flavor, your taste buds might just throw a party. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impressing mildly judgmental in-laws, or just shoveling into your face while binging questionable reality TV. Trust me, you need this in your life, especially if your life currently involves a lot of chaos and the desperate need for carbs.
My husband, bless his heart, once decided he’d “help” with dinner by taking over the garlic-mincing duties for this very recipe. Now, usually, I’m a firm believer that you can never have too much garlic. My philosophy is “add the amount the recipe says, then double it, then add one more clove for good luck.” He, however, took this as a personal challenge. I came back into the kitchen to find a garlic press, a knife, and a small food processor all covered in garlic paste, and what looked like an entire head’s worth of minced garlic proudly heaped onto a plate. “Just making sure we get enough flavor!” he declared, looking like he’d just won a culinary Olympic gold. We definitely did get enough flavor. And then some. Our breath was a weapon for days, but honestly? It was still delicious, and I barely had to lift a finger for the actual cooking. A win in my book, even if it did involve an absurd amount of garlic-related cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Because it’s pasta. And creamy. And has garlic. Do you really need more convincing?
- It’s fast. Like, faster-than-ordering-delivery-and-having-to-talk-to-the-delivery-person fast. You’re welcome.
- You can totally tell people it’s a “gourmet” meal, even though you practically made it in your sleep. No one will ever know.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food without making you feel like you need to immediately declare bankruptcy on your healthy eating goals. Mostly.
- It uses up those stray canned tomatoes in your pantry that have been staring at you with judgment. Finally, their time has come!
Time-Saving Hacks
- Buy pre-minced garlic. Yeah, I said it. Are we trying to win a Michelin star or just get dinner on the table before someone declares a hunger-induced war?
- Use jarred tomato sauce as your base if you’re really in a rush. Just jazz it up with extra garlic and fresh herbs. We won’t tell.
- Don’t bother with an extra pot for the sauce. Just drain the pasta, and then use that same pot. One less thing to wash (you’re welcome).
- Chop vegetables (if you add any) haphazardly. Big chunks mean fewer chops. It still cooks, promise.
Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread, obviously. More garlic, always. Don’t fight me on this.
- A simple side salad, just so you can pretend you’re a responsible adult who eats greens.
- A crisp white wine, because adulting is hard and pasta night is your reward for not losing your mind today.
- Honestly? Just a fork and the biggest bowl you own. Sometimes keeping it simple is the most elegant solution.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Don’t walk away from the pasta. Just don’t. Al dente is your goal; mushy is a crime against carbs. Also, taste as you go! It’s not just for professional chefs; it’s so you don’t end up with bland or overly salty pasta. And hey, if you burn the garlic a little, just scrape it out and pretend it never happened. Or call it “rustic.” Nobody will know.
Storage Tips
Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…
Variations and Substitutions
Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (any type)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and toss it in the skillet with the sauce. Mix well until the pasta is coated.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the celebratory came together.”
“Super easy and so flavorful! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This fluffy recipe was family favorite — the stacked really stands out. Thanks!”
“Made this last night and it was so flavorful. Loved how the stacked came together.”
“Super easy and family favorite! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“New favorite here — will make again. tasty was spot on.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and family favorite results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“This cheesy recipe was turned out amazing — the energizing really stands out. Thanks!”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the stacked came together.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and turned out amazing results. Perfect for busy nights.”
