Craving a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious pasta dish? Look no further than this creamy tomato pasta recipe, ready in under 20 minutes! Forget jarred sauces and complicated techniques; this recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the sweet burst of juicy cherry tomatoes and the subtle bite of garlic, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It's the perfect weeknight dinner, satisfying enough for a cozy night in, yet elegant enough for a casual dinner party.
This creamy tomato pasta recipe is incredibly versatile – easily adaptable to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below to get cooking!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Pot
- Spoon
- Fork
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups
- Garlic cloves: 2
- Garlic, pre-chopped: 1 teaspoon
- Spaghetti or other pasta
- Olive oil: 2 tbsps
- Water: 1/4 cup + extra as needed
- Tomato paste or pulp: 1 tbsp
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cream: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Herbs (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Cook Pasta
- Put a pan of water on the stove at a high temperature. Add salt.
- Cut 2 cups of cherry tomatoes in half. (Or use other ripe tomatoes)
- Chop 2 garlic cloves (or use 1 tsp pre-chopped garlic).
- Once the water boils, add pasta and cook according to package instructions, minus 1 minute. Use kitchen tongs to stir and ensure even cooking.
Step 2. Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and stir. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and let the tomatoes soften (about 1 minute).
- Remove the lid. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste or pulp, and use a spoon or fork to break down the tomatoes for a saucier consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Add 1/2 cup cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Add water to the sauce if it's too thick.
Step 3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the sauce pan. Mix well.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve and garnish with herbs or extra Parmesan cheese.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
- Pre-chopped garlic is a convenient option.
- Use kitchen tongs to push and pull pasta during cooking for even cooking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can! Use about 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. You might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it to the desired consistency.
2. What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?
This recipe works well with almost any pasta shape. Smaller shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for capturing the sauce, but spaghetti or linguine work great too!
This creamy cherry tomato garlic pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. With its quick preparation time and irresistible flavor, it's sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!