Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe! Recipe

Introduction

This easy and creamy tomato garlic pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that bursts with fresh flavors. The combination of sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce makes it comforting yet light. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s sure to become a family 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 and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
2. 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 golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: 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. 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 well.
5. Step 5: Add 2 cups of heavy cream and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
6. 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, carefully mixing to coat the pasta without overcooking.
7. Step 7: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it rest for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Step 8: Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato garlic pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use fresh basil in place of parsley for a different herbal note.
• For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

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 works well with this creamy tomato sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use a plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Also, check that your wine is vegan-friendly if needed.

Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 65 reviews

This Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful blend of sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, and rich cream sauce infused with smoked paprika and fresh parsley. Perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta is enveloped in a luscious, flavorful sauce, making for a comforting yet sophisticated meal that’s quick and simple to prepare.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 8 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Chopped Parsley

Pantry

• 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 cup Dry White Wine
• 1 teaspoon White Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 tablespoon Flour
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Dairy

• 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternative milk in 1:1 swap)
• Freshly Grated Parmesan, optional

Pasta

• 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta, cooked al dente

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to prepare them for cooking.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with ½ teaspoon of salt and sauté until golden and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and another ½ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, forming a flavorful base.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine to deglaze, letting it simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing everything thoroughly.
5. Add the Cream: 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 create a slurry, then gradually stir this into the sauce to thicken it. Continue cooking the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches desired thickness.
6. Season & Combine: Stir in ½ cup of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta, ensuring it is al dente to prevent overcooking.
7. Finish Cooking: Let the pasta simmer gently in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to fully absorb the flavors. Remove the pan from heat, cover with a lid, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta dish.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with an alternative milk such as cashew or oat milk for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less rich.
• For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes according to your preference.
• Be careful not to overcook pasta; it should be just al dente before adding to the sauce.
• Using dry white wine contributes depth of flavor; if you prefer to skip alcohol, use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of white wine vinegar.
• Freshly grated Parmesan is optional but highly recommended for added flavor and texture.

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