Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 12% of Daily Value
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this comfort food pasta to fit various dietary needs:
- Lower Calorie: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (saves 85 calories per serving)
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta
- Vegan Option: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
- Higher Protein: Add 8oz of grilled chicken breast or shrimp (adds 25-30g protein)
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your weeknight pasta dinner with these perfect pairings:
- Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil
- Pair with a light, crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy acidity
- Add a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce
- For a complete protein profile, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: Always aim for al dente – data shows pasta continues cooking for 1-2 minutes in hot sauce
- Breaking the cream sauce: Prevent curdling by ensuring tomato sauce isn’t boiling when adding cream
- Under-seasoning: Pasta water should taste “like the sea” (approximately 1 tablespoon salt per gallon of water)
- Skipping pasta water: This starchy liquid is essential for creating a silky sauce that adheres to pasta
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This easy creamy pasta keeps beautifully:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce
- Not recommended for freezing due to cream separation
- For meal prep, prepare sauce separately and refrigerate for up to 5 days, then combine with freshly cooked pasta
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require extraordinary time. With just 20 minutes and pantry staples, you’ve created a dish that balances richness and acidity in perfect harmony. Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s become our readers’ go-to weeknight solution – then let us know how you personalized it in the comments!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What pasta shape works best with this sauce?
Shapes that capture sauce in ridges or hollows work best – penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are ideal. Spaghetti is also excellent for twirling through this creamy sauce.
How can I make this spicier?
Double the red pepper flakes or add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce just before serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use 6-7 medium ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and diced. Cook them slightly longer (about 10 minutes) to break down properly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative that still tastes creamy?
Cashew cream or coconut cream provide excellent richness. For cashew cream, blend 1/2 cup soaked raw cashews with 1/2 cup water until completely smooth.