This creamy cheesy tomato garlic spaghetti is a hug in a bowl! With rich tomato sauce and lots of cheese, it’s super comforting and totally tasty.
If you ask me, the garlic really amps up the flavor. I can’t resist sprinkling a little extra cheese on top—who can? It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I stick with regular spaghetti for tradition, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the type you choose!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that amazing aroma, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. Use about 1/8 tsp for every clove. I simply adore the punch garlic adds!
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and super tasty. If you’d like to make it fresh, use ripe tomatoes. Just peel and puree them! You can also swap with diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even cashew cream for a dairy-free option. It still gives that wonderful creaminess!
Mozzarella and Parmesan: While I only use mozzarella here, feel free to substitute with cheese like cheddar or a cheese blend. Nutritional yeast works great too if you’re vegan!
How Do I Make Sure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can be bitter, so it’s important to cook it just right. Here’s how to get that lovely flavor without the bitterness:
- Maintain a medium heat when cooking garlic. High heat burns it quickly.
- Add the garlic to the pan first, then stir it constantly for about a minute.
- As soon as it starts to smell fragrant, it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes!
Following these steps will help you achieve delicious garlic flavor in your sauce while keeping it pleasant and not overpowering!
Creamy Cheesy Tomato Garlic Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy cheesy tomato garlic spaghetti will take about 20 minutes total—just 10 minutes for prepping and cooking the pasta, and another 10 minutes to make the delicious sauce. Then you can eat your scrumptious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain it in a colander and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the spaghetti is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want to keep an eye on it—once it starts to smell amazing, it’s time to move on to the next step. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Make the Sauce:
Now pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in your dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then. This helps the flavors come together beautifully!
4. Add Creaminess:
Lower the heat a bit, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow this to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is nice and creamy. Makes your mouth water, right?
5. Cheese It Up:
Add the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is beautifully smooth. Now, season it with salt and black pepper to your taste. If you like some heat, sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes!
6. Combine the Spaghetti:
Gently toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every delicious noodle is coated evenly. Everyone loves a good saucy spaghetti!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy cheesy tomato garlic spaghetti immediately while it’s warm. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Happy dining on your creamy, cheesy, garlicky tomato spaghetti!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require a different cooking time.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian substitute. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for that cheesy flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes for some extra nutrition and flavor.
