When you need a quick, cozy pasta dinner that feels restaurant-quality, this Tomato Garlic Pasta delivers every time. It’s creamy, garlicky, and bursting with the sweet tang of tomatoes — all balanced with a touch of Parmesan richness.
Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s one of those recipes that transforms a few pantry staples into something unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Garlic Pasta
This pasta is comfort in a bowl — rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple.
- Ready in just 25 minutes
- Perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and tangy flavors
- Uses only 7 basic ingredients
- Kid-friendly and great for weeknights
- Easy to customize with chicken or veggies
- Tastes like your favorite Italian bistro meal
I came up with this recipe one night when my pantry was down to tomatoes, garlic, and cream. I threw them together with pasta and Parmesan, and the result was so good it became a family staple.
My wife says the smell of garlic in butter still reminds her of that night — proof that simple ingredients can make big memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of ingredients come together to make this creamy tomato perfection.
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no added sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Stir in spinach or kale for color and nutrients.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use cherry tomatoes for a fresher flavor twist.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Add a spoonful of tomato paste for deeper flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is all about timing — cook your pasta while the sauce simmers, and everything comes together fast.
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. - Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. (Don’t brown it — you want that mellow sweetness.) - Add Tomatoes:
Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend. - Stir in Cream and Cheese:
Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir well, then add Parmesan. Cook gently until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. - Combine with Pasta:
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it. - Serve:
Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or cracked pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, garlicky comfort.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook the garlic — it turns bitter fast.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Always reserve some pasta water — it’s the secret to a silky sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end.
Expert Tips for Success
A few pro tips turn this simple pasta into a signature dish.
- Use high-quality olive oil — it’s the foundation of flavor.
- Simmer low and slow once cream is added to avoid curdling.
- Stir sauce continuously to create a silky consistency.
- Toss pasta in the sauce, not the other way around.
- For an Italian-style dinner, serve with Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls.
- Try pairing with Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta for a pasta sampler night.
- Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or fresh parsley for color.
Every bite delivers that creamy, garlicky punch — simple yet irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp salads or buttery sides.
- Serve with Easy Basil Pesto Cheesy Puffs for a cheesy complement.
- Add a side of garlic bread or grilled asparagus.
- Pair with a Caesar salad for freshness.
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or salmon for a full meal.
- For family dinners, double the recipe — it goes fast!
It’s the perfect comfort food whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.
Storing and Reheating
How to Store It
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Avoid freezing — the cream sauce can separate.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil before refrigerating to prevent sticking.
- Store sauce and pasta separately if possible.
How to Reheat It
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add a little extra Parmesan to revive creaminess.
- Avoid high heat — it can cause the sauce to break.
This pasta reheats beautifully and tastes just as comforting the next day.
Nutrition
Calories: 450 | Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 550mg | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Unsaturated Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 12g | Cholesterol: 75mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a delicious vegan option.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely. Use about 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes — just simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne and fettuccine both hold sauce beautifully, but spaghetti or rigatoni also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Garlic Pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a creamy, garlicky masterpiece that tastes straight out of an Italian kitchen.
It’s one of those recipes that reminds me why I started cooking — because good food should be simple, flavorful, and made from the heart.
- Keep it creamy, not heavy.
- Use fresh garlic every time.
- Don’t forget that sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serve it with love, and watch it become a family favorite in no time.
Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or cracked pepper if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Fresh garlic and canned tomatoes create a balanced sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half.
- Dish can be made dairy-free with coconut cream and vegan cheese.
- Avoid freezing as cream sauces may separate.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Looking for more recipes like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
3 thoughts on “Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Easy and Flavor-Packed”