Name: Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 Garlic Cloves, minced; 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved; ½ cup Chopped Parsley; 4 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 cup Dry White Wine; 2 cups Heavy Cream or alternative milk (1:1 swap); 1 teaspoon White Sugar; 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes; 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste; 1 tablespoon Flour; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; Salt & Pepper to taste; 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta, cooked al dente; Freshly Grated Parmesan, optional

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Introduction

This easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta combines fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. The rich flavors meld together beautifully with al dente rigatoni pasta.

The dish shows a white plate with rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce mixed with green herbs and small red chili flakes. The pasta pieces are fully coated and layered closely together in the center of the plate. On top, there is a single small white ball of cheese or cream, sprinkled with red chili flakes. The dish is finished with a light sprinkling of grated white cheese and chopped green herbs scattered evenly over the pasta, all set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to prepare the ingredients.
Step 2: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 4: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing thoroughly.
Step 5: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this to the sauce, cooking for 5-10 minutes and stirring occasionally until thickened.
Step 6: Stir in ½ cup chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta, making sure it stays al dente.
Step 7: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 8: Serve the pasta garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato garlic pasta!

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and skip the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
If you prefer milder heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Using fresh herbs like basil can add a bright, fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling of the cream sauce.

How to Serve

A close-up view of rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce with herbs and small bits of red pepper, filling a white bowl with a blue rim. The textured rigatoni tubes are covered evenly with the sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese and green herb leaves, giving a fresh appearance. A gold fork held by a woman's hand lifts a few rigatoni pieces above the bowl, showing the sauce's thickness and the pasta's ridged texture. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft, simple wall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work well. Just cook it al dente before mixing with the sauce.

What can I substitute for dry white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth plus a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.