Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Quick & Easy Italian Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a fast and easy Italian meal. Enjoy rich tomato, savory garlic, and a luscious creamy sauce in under 30 minutes. Simple weeknight dinner!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta Canvas
01 -
12 oz Penne Pasta
→ Aromatic Heartbeat
02 -
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
03 -
6 cloves Garlic, minced
04 -
1 large Shallot, finely diced
05 -
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
→ Rich Tomato Embrace
06 -
1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
07 -
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
08 -
1/2 cup Vegetable Broth, low sodium
→ Creamy Finish & Freshness
09 -
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
10 -
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
11 -
1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
12 -
Salt, to taste
13 -
Black Pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz Penne Pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This ensures your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Fast & Easy Italian Meal has the perfect consistency.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large Shallot, finely diced, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in 6 cloves Garlic, minced, and 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Stir 2 tbsp Tomato Paste into the skillet and cook for 1 minute, deepening its flavor. Pour in 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes and 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth, low sodium. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This forms the rich base for your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Fast & Easy Italian Meal.
04 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup Heavy Cream until fully incorporated and smooth. Add 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, mixing until melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy. This step is key for the "Creamy" in Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Fast & Easy Italian Meal.
05 -
Add the drained Penne Pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
06 -
Stir in 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped. Season generously with Salt, to taste, and Black Pepper, to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your delicious Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Fast & Easy Italian Meal immediately, with extra Grated Parmesan Cheese on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, roast the garlic cloves whole before mincing and adding to the sauce. It mellows the garlic and adds a subtle sweetness.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
03 -
Feel free to substitute Penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli. For a richer sauce, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
04 -
Enhance your meal by serving with a side of crusty bread for dipping and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also adds a nice touch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Cheese grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 594 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 80 g
Protein: 18 g