This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love!
What You’ll Need for This Tomato Garlic Pasta
Get ready to soak in all the cozy aromas that are about to fill your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, dreamy dish:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti work great!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that rich flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (I seriously just love garlic)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (juicy and so flavorful)
- 1 cup heavy cream (the key to that luscious sauce!)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (adds a touch of classic flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (just a couple pinches!)
- Fresh basil for garnish (because it makes everything prettier!)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (the best topping, hands down!)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- First up, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it, it’s easy to overcook pasta! Once it’s done, drain it and set aside for now.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, it should hit your nose with that amazing garlicky goodness in about 1-2 minutes!
- Next, pour in that can of diced tomatoes (with all the juice, please!). Bring it all to a simmer. Just let it bubble a bit before moving to the next step, this is where all the flavors start mingling, and trust me, it’s a lovely sight!
- Now, grab that gorgeous heavy cream and stir it into the tomato mixture along with the Italian seasoning. Keep cooking it until the sauce thickens slightly, this should take you around 2-3 minutes. Taste and add a couple pinches of salt and pepper to elevate everything.
- Throw your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss it all together until every single strand is coated in that creamy sauce. It’s like a big hug for your pasta!
- Time to dish out this spectacular meal! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil, and topped with Parmesan cheese. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and I guarantee you’ll have happy faces around the table!

If you loved this creamy tomato garlic pasta, be sure to check out my Salmon and Spinach Pasta or my Ground Chicken with Pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
It truly comes together all in one pot and in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy families who crave something hearty but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients is a game changer. Canned tomatoes, pasta, and spices you likely already have make this dish not only simple but easy on the wallet!
Comfort Food
This pasta is loaded with tons of flavor! Creamy and tomato-y, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and cozy inside, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something comforting.
Customizable
You can throw in whatever ingredients you have! Got leftover veggies? Toss ’em in! A stray protein? Absolutely! This recipe is like a clean slate just waiting for your creativity.
Kid-Friendly
The whole family will love it! Kids adore pasta, and the creamy sauce is a huge hit with picky eaters. Just watch them gobble it up!

Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread. You could even serve it with steamed broccoli for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage
Okay, so this dish keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days, if it lasts that long! Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Reheating Instructions
For the best results when reheating, I recommend doing so in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more cream to rejuvenate that lovely sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwaving is an option, too, just be wary; it can dry out the pasta if overcooked!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this pasta, but for the best texture, it’s best to do so without adding the cream. Just freeze the sauce and pasta separately, and then when you’re ready to eat, cook them together on the stove, stirring in the cream when everything’s hot and bubbly.
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is an absolute winner and sure to become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. It makes for the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss. And trust me, once you make it the first time, it’ll be the go-to meal you’ll want to keep coming back to!
Happy cooking, friends! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious one-pot pasta dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes with all the juice. Bring it to a simmer and let bubble.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing until each strand is coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add leftover vegetables or proteins based on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg