Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional add-ins:
Red pepper flakes
Fresh basil
Cooked chicken or shrimp
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, basil, and oregano.
5. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
7. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
8. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to loosen.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning.
10. Serve warm with extra parmesan on top.
Notes
• Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• Add a splash of pasta water to keep the sauce silky.
• Perfect base for protein or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: creamy tomato garlic pasta, tomato cream sauce pasta, easy pasta dinner