Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 Garlic Cloves, minced; 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved; 4 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 cup Dry White Wine; 1 tsp White Sugar; 1 tsp Chili Flakes; 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternative milk for a 1:1 swap); 1 tbsp Flour; 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley; 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta, cooked al dente; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Sugar; Salt & Pepper, to taste; Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something decadent yet refreshingly vibrant, the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is about to become your new soulmate in a bowl. Picture pasta shells enveloped in a silky-creamy tomato sauce, carried by the deep tang of cherry tomatoes and the warm hug of sweet, garlicky goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, loaded with bold flavors, effortless elegance, and textures that make every bite a true celebration. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner at home or just a quick, cozy night in, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is just what your tastebuds have been waiting for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love when a recipe delivers maximum flavor with a handful of straightforward ingredients? Each item on this list pulls its weight, infusing freshness, depth, or richness in a way that transforms a simple pasta dish into a one-pot wonder. Let’s break down the why behind every essential:

Garlic Cloves (8, minced): The backbone of flavor, garlic adds warmth and a mellowed sweetness as it sautés.
Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups, halved): These bring juicy, bright, and tangy notes that create the sauce’s vibrant base.
Olive Oil (4 tbsp): For that silky mouthfeel and characteristic Mediterranean aroma, olive oil can’t be skipped.
Dry White Wine (1 cup): The wine deglazes the pan, adding brightness and a delicate depth to the sauce.
White Sugar (1 tsp): Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes, letting every flavor shine.
Chili Flakes (1 tsp): Adds subtle heat that lifts the creaminess without overpowering the dish.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Provides concentrated tomato flavor and an inviting, rich color.
Heavy Cream (2 cups): The star of creaminess, heavy cream makes each bite luxuriously smooth.
Flour (1 tbsp): Mixed as a slurry, it thickens the sauce for that luscious, cling-to-your-rigatoni texture.
Chopped Parsley (1/2 cup): Fresh parsley wakes up the whole dish with color and herbaceous zing.
Rigatoni Pasta (8 oz, al dente): With its sturdy shape and ridges, rigatoni catches and holds onto plenty of sauce.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Brings earthy depth and a hint of smokiness that rounds out the sauce.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): For another subtle layer of garlic flavor that melds beautifully into the sauce.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): The essentials for perfect seasoning.
Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional): For those who can’t imagine pasta without a little cheesy finish!

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by mincing your garlic cloves and slicing each cherry tomato in half. This little bit of prep work is blissfully simple and makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Trust me, taking the few extra minutes now means you won’t be frantically chopping once things get sizzling later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat up the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add your minced garlic along with a generous sprinkle of salt. Let those little bits of garlic get golden and aromatic for about five minutes. You’ll know this step is going perfectly when the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible—nothing beats the scent of sautéing garlic!

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the cherry tomatoes and another sprinkle of salt to the pan. Stir occasionally and let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes. You want them to soften and start breaking down, their juices combining with the garlic and olive oil to build the foundation of your creamy sauce. The mixture should look bright, jammy, and irresistibly saucy.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan and Add Flavors

It’s time for a flavor upgrade! Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about five minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen the sauce’s flavor. Add the chili flakes and tomato paste, stirring everything together until you get a beautiful, cohesive mixture with a stunning brick-red hue.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Thicken

Pour the heavy cream into the pan, stirring as you go. In a separate small bowl, whisk the flour with a bit of water until smooth, then drizzle this slurry into the sauce while stirring. Let the whole mixture gently cook for 5 to 10 minutes. It’ll bubble up and transform into a rich, velvety sauce that’s just begging for pasta.

Step 6: Season and Combine with Pasta

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in your al dente rigatoni, making sure every piece is coated. The pasta will finish cooking and soak up loads of flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 7: Simmer and Meld

Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for about five more minutes. Then, remove from heat, cover the pan, and allow it to rest for another five minutes. This pause isn’t just for patience’s sake—it ensures all those wonderful flavors settle into every nook and cranny of the rigatoni.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate up your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe immediately. Finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and another crack of black pepper for that restaurant-level touch. Dig in right away for the best, most comforting experience!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe, a little flourish goes a long way. Freshly chopped parsley adds color and lifts the creaminess. A heavy dusting of Parmesan cheese makes each bite feel extra special, and a twist of freshly ground black pepper delivers a restaurant-worthy finish. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving is divine.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and satisfying, so I love pairing it with a crisp green salad—think arugula, radicchio, or peppery mixed greens—with a zippy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a slice of rustic sourdough is also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. If you’re in the mood for more color, quickly sautéed broccolini or roasted asparagus on the side feels just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the pasta high in large, shallow bowls and circle the plate with extra cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Or, serve it family-style straight from a beautiful skillet or Dutch oven at the table—let everyone dive in! If you’re hosting, try individual ramekins crowned with a sprinkle of cheese and baked until just golden for a cozy, bistro-inspired touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers from your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe, you’re in luck! Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making for a sensational second-day lunch or quick dinner, straight from the fridge.

Freezing

Want to tuck some away for a future comfort-food emergency? This pasta freezes surprisingly well. Allow the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. Just avoid freezing with the garnish—add fresh parsley and Parmesan after reheating for the brightest flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the desired portion to a skillet or saucepan, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until everything is heated through and luscious again (about 5 to 7 minutes). If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to preserve that dreamy, silky texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or cashew) for a creamy texture. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan alternative on top—nobody will guess the difference.

What type of wine should I use for the sauce?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even an unoaked Chardonnay works beautifully. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can swap in a good-quality vegetable broth—just add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Definitely! Rigatoni is fantastic thanks to its sauce-catching ridges, but penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine make excellent alternatives for the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente for the perfect bite.

How do I make the sauce extra thick?

If you love it truly decadent, increase the flour in your slurry to 2 tablespoons, or stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese as the sauce simmers. Simmering the sauce a bit longer also helps concentrate and thicken it.

Is this dish spicy?

The chili flakes bring only a gentle heat, which beautifully balances the creamy sauce without making things fiery. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice preference—make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I adore sharing this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and share good food with good company. Give it a try; you might just discover your new favorite way to do pasta nights!

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the creamy richness of heavy cream, all brought together with a hint of garlic and spices.

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and salt. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and salt. Sauté until softened, about 10-15 minutes.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine, simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste.
Add the Cream: Pour in heavy cream and stir. Whisk flour with water to create a slurry. Stir into the sauce to thicken, cooking for 5-10 minutes.
Season & Combine: Stir in parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked rigatoni.
Finish Cooking: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian