This creamy cheesy tomato garlic spaghetti is a warm delight! With rich tomatoes, garlic, and lots of cheese, it’s both comforting and tasty. Perfect for busy nights when you want something special!
Honestly, I could eat this every day and never get bored—it’s that good! I love adding a sprinkle of basil on top for a pop of color and flavor. You too? 😄
This recipe is super easy to whip up. Just cook the pasta, mix in that creamy sauce, and enjoy a cozy meal in no time. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This dish typically calls for spaghetti, which has a lovely texture for holding onto the sauce. If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free pasta instead. Zucchini noodles can also be a fun, light substitute!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you could use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon per clove). Just remember, fresh has that extra kick that’s hard to beat!
Crushed Tomatoes: You can use diced tomatoes if that’s all you have. Just mash them a bit before adding them to the skillet. If you like it spicy, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can swap it for half-and-half if you want something lighter. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative for a different twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that cheesy stretch. However, feel free to try cheddar or even a dairy-free cheese blend if you’re looking for alternatives.
How to Make Sure Your Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Cooking garlic can be tricky since it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat! This is key to cooking garlic slowly without burning.
- Keep stirring! This helps ensure even cooking and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
- Look for that golden hue. Once it turns fragrant and lightly golden, you’re ready to add the tomatoes!
With a little attention, you’ll have that perfect garlic flavor without any bitterness.
Creamy Cheesy Tomato Garlic Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spaghetti dish will take about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking! It’s a quick meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). After cooking, drain the spaghetti, but remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—it’ll help with the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to thicken it slightly, which will make for a rich sauce.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth—this is where the magic happens!
5. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Add both the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted, creating a beautifully cheesy and creamy sauce.
6. Season the Sauce:
Give the sauce a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If it looks a little too thick, slowly add your reserved pasta water until you get your desired consistency.
7. Combine with Spaghetti:
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated delicately with that creamy tomato goodness.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your creamy, cheesy tomato garlic spaghetti is ready to serve! Dish it out onto plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely pop of color. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, garlicky tomato spaghetti!
FAQ about Creamy Cheesy Tomato Garlic Spaghetti
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, while gluten-free pasta works just as well for those with dietary restrictions. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it doesn’t contain meat. However, if you’d like to add protein, feel free to toss in cooked veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to keep it veggie-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze this spaghetti! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Feel free to ask more questions if you have any! Enjoy your cooking!
