The Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Recipe is a rich and flavorful dish that blends fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, cream, and rigatoni pasta into one irresistible meal. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for gatherings, this pasta delivers the best of Italian-inspired comfort food. With layers of garlicky flavor, smoky paprika, and creamy tomato sauce, every bite is a balance of richness and freshness.
The Story Behind This Dish
Why Garlic and Tomato Are the Perfect Pair
Garlic brings out the natural sweetness in tomatoes, creating depth and aroma that forms the heart of Mediterranean cooking. Adding cream transforms this classic base into a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
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Comfort Food With a Fresh Twist
This pasta combines familiar flavors with a restaurant-style presentation. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, it’s simple to prepare while tasting like something you’d order at a cozy Italian trattoria. For a hearty addition, serve it alongside your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe to create a pasta spread with variety and richness.
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Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Recipe
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Description
Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta combines cherry tomatoes, garlic, wine, and cream into a velvety sauce that coats rigatoni pasta perfectly.
Ingredients
8 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 tbsp olive oil
1 cup dry white wine
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp chili flakes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups heavy cream
1 tbsp flour
1/2 cup chopped parsley
8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Mince garlic and halve cherry tomatoes.
2. Heat olive oil in pan. Add garlic with salt. Cook until golden, 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and salt. Cook 10–15 minutes until softened.
4. Deglaze with white wine. Add chili flakes and tomato paste.
5. Stir in cream. Add flour slurry. Simmer 5–10 minutes to thicken.
6. Season with parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Add rigatoni. Toss to coat. Simmer 5 minutes.
8. Cover and rest 5 minutes. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Replace wine with broth if desired. Add chili for more spice. Use dairy-free cream and cheese for vegan version. Store in fridge for 3 days and reheat gently.
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Nutrition
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Ingredients and Substitutions
- 8 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic is key for flavor.
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved – use ripe tomatoes for sweetness.
- 4 tbsp olive oil – the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup dry white wine – adds depth and acidity.
- 1 tsp white sugar – balances tomato acidity.
- 1 tsp chili flakes – for gentle heat.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – enhances tomato richness.
- 2 cups heavy cream – or swap with plant-based milk for dairy-free.
- 1 tbsp flour – thickens the sauce.
- ½ cup parsley, chopped – adds freshness.
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta – al dente for the best bite.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – adds a smoky layer.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – boosts garlic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – balances the dish.
- Fresh Parmesan (optional) – for garnish.
Ingredient Swaps
- Replace white wine with vegetable broth for a no-alcohol version.
- Use spinach instead of parsley for added greens.
- Try penne or fusilli if rigatoni isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prep the Ingredients
- Mince garlic and slice cherry tomatoes in half.
- Gather all ingredients before starting.
Sauté the Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic with ½ tsp salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes until golden.
Cook the Tomatoes
- Add cherry tomatoes and another ½ tsp salt.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring until softened and juicy.
Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in white wine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste. Mix well.
Add the Cream
- Pour in heavy cream. Stir until combined.
- In a bowl, whisk flour with water to make a slurry. Add gradually.
- Cook for 5–10 minutes until sauce thickens.
Season and Combine
- Add parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked rigatoni pasta. Keep it al dente.
Finish Cooking
- Let pasta simmer in sauce for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes.
- Serve garnished with Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. For variety, combine it with meat-based pasta like the High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for a two-pasta dinner that satisfies every craving.
Drink Pairings
- Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio.
- Sparkling water with lemon.
- A light red wine for a more robust option.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on stove over low heat with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate.
Variations and Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or diced fresh chilies.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or Pecorino Romano.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
FAQ Section
Can I skip the white wine?
Yes, replace it with vegetable or chicken stock for similar depth.
What pasta works best?
Rigatoni holds sauce well, but penne or fusilli are great alternatives.
How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Simmer longer to reduce or use cornstarch slurry instead.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, but cook pasta separately and combine with sauce before serving.
Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta Recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make yet feels special. With garlic, cherry tomatoes, cream, and rigatoni, it offers rich layers of taste in every bite. Whether you serve it for family dinner or a cozy night in, this pasta will quickly become one of your favorites.
