Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta features perfectly al dente rigatoni tossed in a rich, velvety tomato and garlic sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Enhanced with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream, this comforting Italian-inspired dish can be dressed up with creamy ricotta or burrata for an irresistible meal ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 dollop ricotta or burrata (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer the tomato sauce: Pour in 14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar if needed to balance acidity and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add cream and butter: Lower the heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency and ensure the pasta is well dressed.
- Finish with cheese and basil: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until the cheese melts and the basil releases its aroma. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate and garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan, a dollop of ricotta or burrata cheese if desired, more fresh basil, and freshly cracked black pepper for a final touch of flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted if your tomatoes are naturally sweet.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor; avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness.
- Ricotta or burrata is optional but adds a luscious creaminess if available.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best consistency.
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, rigatoni recipe, easy Italian dinner, pasta with cream sauce, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/creamy-tomato-garlic-pasta-recipe/
