Minute Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Easy and Tasty Meal

Name: Minute Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 200 g pasta (spaghetti or linguine); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 400 g canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; to taste Salt and pepper; for garnish Fresh basil leaves; optional Grated Parmesan cheese

October 28, 2025August 4, 2025 by Natalie

If you need a quick meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! Minute Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta is your go-to dish for busy nights. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a rich, satisfying dinner in no time. Let’s dive in and turn your ordinary pasta night into something special. You’ll be asking for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This creamy garlic tomato pasta can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream creates a deliciously rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this dish your own.
Comfort Food: This dish is pure comfort food, with creamy textures and a comforting tomato flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Required Ingredients for Minute Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta

To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items. Here they are:

200g pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor

If you want to make your pasta even better, consider these optional additions:

Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish

These extras can give your dish a fresh touch and a hint of saltiness.

Best Types of Pasta to Use

While you can use any pasta, I recommend spaghetti or linguine. They hold the sauce well. Other options like fettuccine or penne can work too. Choose what you like best!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure you add a good amount of salt to the water. This salt helps the pasta taste great. Once the water is boiling, add 200g of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. This water will help later. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the Creamy Garlic Tomato Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells nice but is not brown. Then, pour in 400g of canned crushed tomatoes. Stir this mix well and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Lower the heat, and now you can add 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir everything until the sauce is creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you reach the sauce’s desired creaminess. Once everything is mixed well, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a minute. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Make the Sauce Creamier

To make the sauce creamier, use full-fat heavy cream. It gives a rich feel. You can also add cream cheese for extra creaminess. Blend it into the sauce until smooth. Another option is to use a bit of pasta water. This helps mix the sauce well and keeps it silky.

Flavor Boosters to Consider

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. You might also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It enhances the flavors and adds freshness. If you love cheese, consider extra Parmesan. Mix it in for a cheesy boost.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta

Always salt your water before boiling pasta. It helps flavor the pasta from the start. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Check for doneness a minute early. It should be al dente, which means it has a slight bite. Remember to reserve pasta water before draining. You can use it to adjust the sauce later.

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Timing: Start cooking the pasta just before the sauce is ready to ensure everything is served hot and fresh.
Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
Texture Tip: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor, so don’t skip it!

Variations

Vegetarian Variations

You can easily make this pasta dish vegetarian. Skip the cheese or use a plant-based version. Add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add color and taste. You can sauté these with garlic for extra flavor. Try adding mushrooms for a meaty texture. They pair well with the creamy sauce and tomatoes.

Protein Additions

If you want to add protein, consider chicken or shrimp. Cook them in the skillet before adding garlic. You can also use cooked sausage for a savory kick. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or lentils. They blend well and add fiber. Just toss them in with the sauce to heat through before serving.

Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Preferences

Dietary needs can change what you use. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond cream. These give a creamy texture without dairy. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead. It cooks the same way and tastes great. Make sure to check your canned tomatoes for added sugars.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your Minute Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it easily.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your pasta, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat on low until warm. This keeps the pasta from drying out. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly.

Freezing Tips for Creamy Pasta

If you want to freeze your creamy pasta, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little cream or water for extra moisture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in this dish. Start with about 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Remove the skins and chop them finely. Cook the chopped tomatoes until soft, about 5-7 minutes. This will give a nice fresh taste. Fresh tomatoes add a light flavor, while canned tomatoes are richer. Choose based on your taste preference.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Greek yogurt works well too. Just mix it in slowly to avoid lumps. Each option will change the flavor and texture slightly, so pick what fits your meal best.

How long does this pasta dish last in the fridge?

This creamy garlic tomato pasta lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or a little olive oil to restore creaminess. This way, your dish stays tasty and enjoyable!

To recap, we explored how to make creamy garlic tomato pasta. I shared required and optional ingredients for a flavorful dish. You learned how to cook pasta and make a rich sauce. We also covered tips for creaminess, flavor boosts, and cooking expert tricks. Plus, I offered variations for dietary needs and storage tips for leftovers.

This pasta dish is easy, tasty, and adaptable. Enjoy creating it in your kitche

$To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items. Here they are: - 200g pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 400g canned crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. If you want to make your pasta even better, consider these optional additions: - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish These extras can give your dish a fresh touch and a hint of saltiness. While you can use any pasta, I recommend spaghetti or linguine. They hold the sauce well. Other options like fettuccine or penne can work too. Choose what you like best! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure you add a good amount of salt to the water. This salt helps the pasta taste great. Once the water is boiling, add 200g of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. This water will help later. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells nice but is not brown. Then, pour in 400g of canned crushed tomatoes. Stir this mix well and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Lower the heat, and now you can add 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir everything until the sauce is creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you reach the sauce's desired creaminess. Once everything is mixed well, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a minute. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal! To make the sauce creamier, use full-fat heavy cream. It gives a rich feel. You can also add cream cheese for extra creaminess. Blend it into the sauce until smooth. Another option is to use a bit of pasta water. This helps mix the sauce well and keeps it silky. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. You might also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It enhances the flavors and adds freshness. If you love cheese, consider extra Parmesan. Mix it in for a cheesy boost. Always salt your water before boiling pasta. It helps flavor the pasta from the start. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Check for doneness a minute early. It should be al dente, which means it has a slight bite. Remember to reserve pasta water before draining. You can use it to adjust the sauce later. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Timing: Start cooking the pasta just before the sauce is ready to ensure everything is served hot and fresh. Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing. Texture Tip: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor, so don't skip it! {{image_2}} You can easily make this pasta dish vegetarian. Skip the cheese or use a plant-based version. Add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add color and taste. You can sauté these with garlic for extra flavor. Try adding mushrooms for a meaty texture. They pair well with the creamy sauce and tomatoes. If you want to add protein, consider chicken or shrimp. Cook them in the skillet before adding garlic. You can also use cooked sausage for a savory kick. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or lentils. They blend well and add fiber. Just toss them in with the sauce to heat through before serving. Dietary needs can change what you use. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond cream. These give a creamy texture without dairy. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead. It cooks the same way and tastes great. Make sure to check your canned tomatoes for added sugars. To store your Minute Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it easily. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat on low until warm. This keeps the pasta from drying out. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. If you want to freeze your creamy pasta, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little cream or water for extra moisture. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in this dish. Start with about 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Remove the skins and chop them finely. Cook the chopped tomatoes until soft, about 5-7 minutes. This will give a nice fresh taste. Fresh tomatoes add a light flavor, while canned tomatoes are richer. Choose based on your taste preference. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Greek yogurt works well too. Just mix it in slowly to avoid lumps. Each option will change the flavor and texture slightly, so pick what fits your meal best. This creamy garlic tomato pasta lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or a little olive oil to restore creaminess. This way, your dish stays tasty and enjoyable! To recap, we explored how to make creamy garlic tomato pasta. I shared required and optional ingredients for a flavorful dish. You learned how to cook pasta and make a rich sauce. We also covered tips for creaminess, flavor boosts, and cooking expert tricks. Plus, I offered variations for dietary needs and storage tips for leftovers. This pasta dish is easy, tasty, and adaptable. Enjoy creating it in your kitchen!$