Looking for a quick, comforting dinner that tastes like something you'd order at your favorite Italian restaurant? This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta combines tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a rich Parmesan sauce.
Best of all, it can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh basil leaves
Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently. The garlic should become fragrant without turning dark brown.
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Make the Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream.
Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Stir gently until the Parmesan melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove the skillet from the heat and add fresh basil.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy.
Top with freshly grated Parmesan, basil, cracked black pepper, and a few extra cherry tomatoes.
Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tasty Bites Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don't overcook your pasta. Keeping it al dente gives the finished dish a much better texture.
Always save a little pasta water. The starch helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Keep the heat relatively low when adding Parmesan to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
Make It Your Own
Add grilled chicken for extra protein, sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, baby spinach for more vegetables, or shrimp for a seafood variation.
You can also substitute spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, or another favorite pasta.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk or cream and warm gently to help restore the creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
The combination of garlic, Parmesan, cream, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil makes this simple pasta incredibly satisfying.
Whether you're preparing a quick family dinner or craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this is an easy recipe worth keeping in your collection.
Enjoy!