Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe for Two

This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of rich tomato sauce, fragrant garlic, and a creamy base creates a luxurious pasta sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish.

Servings: 2
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

200g (7 oz) of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work well)
Salt, for the pasta water

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes if you prefer more texture)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed:

Large pot for cooking pasta
Large skillet or saucepan for the sauce
Colander for draining the pasta
Tongs or pasta spoon for tossing the pasta

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Use about 4-5 liters (1 gallon) of water for 200g of pasta. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will be used later to help bind the sauce and pasta together.
Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep the pot handy for any last-minute needs.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Garlic Sauce

Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Garlic can burn quickly, so stir constantly.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Once the garlic is softened and aromatic, add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine. Add the red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. The sauce should reduce slightly and thicken.
Add Cream and Butter: Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to blend into the sauce, turning it a lovely pinkish hue. Stir in the butter and let it melt completely. The butter will give the sauce a silky smooth texture and rich flavor.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Use tongs or a pasta spoon to gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Adjust Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a couple more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. The pasta should be lightly coated, not swimming in sauce.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Final Touches: Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta for added flavor. For a fresh burst of color and taste, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Serve: Divide the creamy tomato garlic pasta evenly between two bowls or plates. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
Optional Sides: This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, to enhance the flavors.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give the dish a more robust, fragrant flavor. Mince the garlic finely so it infuses the oil and sauce evenly.
Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are ideal for this sauce, but if you have fresh, ripe tomatoes on hand, you can blanch and peel them, then chop them up to use in place of canned tomatoes for an even fresher taste.
Cream Options: Heavy cream will create the richest, most velvety sauce, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream.
Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
Adding Protein: For a heartier dish, you can add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta to this pasta.
Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.

Variations to Try

Basil Pesto: For an herbaceous twist, mix in a tablespoon of basil pesto into the sauce before tossing with the pasta. It complements the tomato and cream beautifully.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can add a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor. Stir them into the sauce along with the crushed tomatoes.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce. Add them right after the garlic and cook until golden before adding the tomatoes.
Spinach or Kale: For extra greens, stir in some fresh spinach or kale just before adding the pasta. The greens will wilt nicely into the creamy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a wonderful balance of simplicity and richness. The garlic provides a savory base, the tomatoes offer a subtle sweetness, and the cream smooths it all out into an indulgent sauce. It’s easy to make yet feels like a special meal, perfect for date nights, weeknight dinners, or any time you’re craving a comforting pasta dish. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.