What the heck is this?
It’s the pasta you didn’t know you needed — creamy, garlicky, tangy from the tomatoes, and stupid easy to make. Like, “boil pasta and stir things in a pan” easy. This Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is that no-fuss, comforting bowl of carbs you crave when you want something warm, cozy, and a little indulgent without busting out a million ingredients. The sauce is silky smooth with a kick of garlic, the tomatoes get all jammy and sweet, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. Weeknight dinner, upgraded.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You only need pantry staples
- It’s fast — like, faster-than-takeout fast
- Creamy without feeling heavy
- That garlic-tomato combo hits every time
- Works with any pasta you’ve got
- Feels fancy but takes zero effort
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne — anything goes)
- Salted water for boiling
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained slightly)
- Salt + black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (more for topping)
- Reserved pasta water (about 1/3 cup)
To Finish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- More parmesan (obviously)
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1/3 cup of that starchy pasta water — trust me, it’s liquid gold for your sauce.
Step 2: Garlic + Tomato Magic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute — just until fragrant and starting to turn golden (don’t let it burn!). Toss in the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and saucy. If using canned tomatoes, cook a few minutes less.
Step 3: Get Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the cream and stir everything together until the sauce is silky. Add the parmesan and let it melt right in. If the sauce looks too thick, loosen it up with a splash of that reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Pasta, Meet Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat every glorious strand. Add a little more pasta water as needed to make everything come together in a glossy, creamy finish.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe more salt, pepper, or a tiny splash of lemon. Dish it up in bowls, top with more parmesan and fresh herbs, and prepare to fall in love.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread (because carbs deserve company)
- Add a green salad if you’re feeling balanced
- A glass of white wine or sparkling water makes it feel like a whole vibe
Switch It Up
- Use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a veggie boost
- Want protein? Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
- Crumble goat cheese or feta on top instead of parmesan for a tangy finish
Make-Ahead Tips
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Pasta is best cooked fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth
- Not freezer-friendly (cream + pasta = weird texture later), but small-batch friendly for sure
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can, but it won’t be quite as rich. If using milk, add a little butter or extra cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A: Use 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch — but fresh really makes it pop.
Q: Can I add tomato paste?
A: Absolutely. A tablespoon of tomato paste adds depth and richness. Stir it in with the tomatoes.
Q: Is it spicy with red pepper flakes?
A: Just a gentle kick — but skip it if you’re spice-sensitive or serving kids.
Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe: Your New Lazy Weeknight Hero
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
It’s the pasta you didn’t know you needed — creamy, garlicky, tangy from the tomatoes, and stupid easy to make. Like, “boil pasta and stir things in a pan” easy. This Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is that no-fuss, comforting bowl of carbs you crave when you want something warm, cozy, and a little indulgent without busting out a million ingredients. The sauce is silky smooth with a kick of garlic, the tomatoes get all jammy and sweet, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. Weeknight dinner, upgraded.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne — anything goes)
Salted water for boiling
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained slightly)
Salt + black pepper to taste
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan (more for topping)
Reserved pasta water (about 1/3 cup)
To Finish:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
More parmesan (obviously)
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1/3 cup of that starchy pasta water — trust me, it’s liquid gold for your sauce.
Step 2: Garlic + Tomato Magic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute — just until fragrant and starting to turn golden (don’t let it burn!). Toss in the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and saucy. If using canned tomatoes, cook a few minutes less.
Step 3: Get Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the cream and stir everything together until the sauce is silky. Add the parmesan and let it melt right in. If the sauce looks too thick, loosen it up with a splash of that reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Pasta, Meet Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat every glorious strand. Add a little more pasta water as needed to make everything come together in a glossy, creamy finish.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe more salt, pepper, or a tiny splash of lemon. Dish it up in bowls, top with more parmesan and fresh herbs, and prepare to fall in love.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread (because carbs deserve company)
Add a green salad if you’re feeling balanced
A glass of white wine or sparkling water makes it feel like a whole vibe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Protein: ~14g