Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is a rich and comforting pasta dish made with sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, smooth cream, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. This easy pasta dinner comes together in about 35 minutes and delivers a creamy, flavorful sauce with hints of chili flakes, paprika, and fresh parsley. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy meals, or serving guests when you want a simple yet impressive pasta recipe.
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 using a 1:1 swap
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons water
½ cup chopped parsley
8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated parmesan, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by mincing the garlic and slicing the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and half a teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and another half teaspoon of salt. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add the heavy cream and stir. In a small bowl whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, then slowly mix it into the sauce. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan, extra parsley, and black pepper.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
Cook the pasta al dente so it holds its texture in the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or milk.
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, spinach, or mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
Parmesan cheese can be mixed into the sauce or sprinkled on top when serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean