Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time you need a quick, flavorful meal. With its creamy texture, rich tomato flavor, and a hint of garlic, it combines the best of Italian cuisine in under 30 minutes. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 Garlic cloves, minced

• 3 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved

• 4 tablespoons Olive oil

• 1 cup Dry white wine

• 1 teaspoon White sugar

• 1 teaspoon Chili flakes

• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste

• 2 cups Heavy cream (or alternative milk, 1:1 swap)

• 1 tablespoon Flour

• ½ cup Chopped parsley

• 8 oz Rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente

• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Sugar

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.

2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing well.

5. Add the Cream: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce to thicken, cooking for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Season & Combine: Stir in ½ cup of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni, ensuring it remains al dente to avoid overcooking.

7. Finish Cooking: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegan version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and skip the Parmesan.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Spicy: Increase the chili flakes for a spicier kick or add red pepper to your liking.

• Meat lovers: Add grilled chicken or sausage for a more filling dish.

• Vegetable-packed: Throw in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while rigatoni is suggested, any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti will work just fine.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to maintain its al dente texture.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as coconut cream, and omit the Parmesan for a vegan version of this dish.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little liquid to adjust the consistency.

5. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time as needed.

6. What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute for the deglazing step.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can add more flour slurry (1 tablespoon of flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and cook for a few more minutes.

8. Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be great additions to make the dish more substantial.

9. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking it when simmering in the sauce. You can also reserve some pasta cooking water to add back to the sauce if it gets too thick.

10. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, low-fat cream will work, though it may result in a slightly less rich sauce. You can also try using whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something satisfying. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to be a go-to in your kitchen. Try it today and indulge in a deliciously creamy pasta dinner that everyone will love!