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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

4.3 from 35 reviews

This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe combines the sweetness of sautéed cherry tomatoes and the richness of a cream-based sauce, infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and white wine for a flavorful, comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 8 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine
  • 1 teaspoon White Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream or alternative milk (1:1 swap)
  • 1 tablespoon Flour
  • ½ cup Chopped Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta, cooked al dente

To Serve

  • Freshly Grated Parmesan, optional

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes to prepare them for sautéing and sauce making.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ½ teaspoon salt, sautéing for about 5 minutes until golden and aromatic, which forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
  3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes with an additional ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a natural sauce.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in dry white wine and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste to deepen the sauce’s flavor and color.
  5. Add the Cream: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Prepare a slurry by whisking flour with water and slowly add it to the pan, cooking for 5-10 minutes while stirring to thicken the sauce nicely.
  6. Season & Combine: Incorporate chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta ensuring it’s al dente so it holds texture in the sauce.
  7. Finish Cooking: Simmer the pasta in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to enhance the taste and texture.
  8. Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper to finish before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use alternative milk like oat or almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free version but expect slight changes in creaminess.
  • Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • To keep the pasta perfectly al dente, do not overcook it before combining with the sauce.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, savory finish but can be omitted for a vegetarian dish if strictly avoiding animal rennet.
  • White sugar balances acidity but can be reduced or omitted if preferred.

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, rigatoni pasta recipe, tomato cream sauce, Italian pasta dish