Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe! Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to prepare them for cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
