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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

5 from 111 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining sautéed garlic, tender cherry tomatoes, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices. Cooked rigatoni pasta is tossed in the sauce to create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

  • 8 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley

Pantry

  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp White Sugar
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Flour
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder

Liquids

  • 1 cup Dry White Wine
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternative milk, 1:1 swap)

Pasta

  • 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta (cooked al dente)

Dairy (Optional)

  • Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to prepare them for sautéing.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pan. Sauté until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes soften and start releasing their juices.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for roughly 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ensuring everything is well mixed.
  5. Add the Cream: Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the pan and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly incorporate this slurry into the sauce, stirring continuously to thicken the sauce over 5 to 10 minutes.
  6. Season & Combine: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta, mixing gently to coat the pasta while ensuring it stays al dente to avoid overcooking.
  7. Finish Cooking: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  8. Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful tomato garlic pasta!

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative milk in a 1:1 ratio for a lighter or dairy-free option.
  • Adjust chili flakes to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; it is optional but highly recommended.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta during the final simmer to keep it perfectly al dente.
  • This recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, Rigatoni Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta, Tomato Cream Sauce, Garlic Pasta, Easy Pasta Dinner, Comfort Food