Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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; 1 tablespoon flour; ½ cup chopped parsley; 8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

If you’re in search of a quick yet delicious meal, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic, succulent cherry tomatoes, and a smooth creamy sauce, providing a delightful experience for your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party, this recipe ticks all the boxes — it’s simple to make, vegetarian-friendly, and simply irresistible!

The beauty of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta lies in its ability to deliver depth of flavor without requiring hours of prep. With just a handful of ingredients, including pantry staples like garlic and olive oil, this dish comes together in just around 40 minutes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll find that the minimal steps involved make this recipe approachable for anyone. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making a plate of creamy goodness that will have everyone coming back for second helpings!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Combination: With garlic, cherry tomatoes, and heavy cream, every bite is a burst of flavor.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A great option for vegetarians, this dish is hearty and satisfying.
Customizable: Easily modify the dish with different proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s date night or a simple family dinner, this pasta fits every occasion.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin cooking your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, it’s essential to have a well-organized kitchen space. Gather all your ingredients, and keep them handy. You’ll need a large skillet for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, and a pot to cook the rigatoni pasta al dente. Additionally, having measuring cups and spoons, along with a whisk for combining ingredients, will streamline the process. This will help prevent any unnecessary chaos while you cook.

It’s also beneficial to have a chopping board and a good knife for mincing the garlic and halving the tomatoes. Ensuring your workspace is clean and tools are within reach will lead to a more enjoyable cooking experience. Let’s get everything prepped and ready before diving into the cooking process!

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
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup chopped parsley
8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Garlic and Tomatoes

Start by readying your garlic and cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure a robust flavor, and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to expose their juices. This step is important as it allows for better cooking and integration of the flavors once they’re added to the pan.

Step 2: Sautéing the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once your oil is hot, introduce the minced garlic to the pan along with ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden brown and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes. Keeping an eye on the garlic at this stage is crucial; you don’t want it to burn as that can impart a bitter flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Cherry Tomatoes

Add your halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with another ½ teaspoon of salt. The goal here is to sauté them until they soften and begin to release their juices, stirring occasionally. This process may take about 10 to 15 minutes and serves as the base for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Wine and Simmer

Once the tomatoes have softened, pour in 1 cup of dry white wine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. The wine will help to deglaze the pan, lifting all the delicious bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Introduce the Cream

Next, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate. To thicken your sauce, create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering sauce and continue to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help achieve that creamy texture that coats your pasta.

Step 6: Season and Add the Pasta

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in ½ cup of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the al dente rigatoni pasta to the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together seamlessly.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Remove the pan from heat and cover with a lid, allowing the dish to rest for about 5 minutes. This creates a more intense flavor profile, as the pasta absorbs some of the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

To serve, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper on top. This elevates the dish, giving it a restaurant-quality presentation!

Variations

Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
Vegetables: You can sneak in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and a pop of color.
Cheese Alternatives: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the taste.

Cooking Notes

Make sure not to overcook the rigatoni, it should remain firm (al dente) for the best texture with the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after adding the flour slurry.
Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing to prevent burning, which alters the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
A piece of crusty garlic bread pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Tips

Use fresh ingredients for more vibrant flavors — fresh garlic and tomatoes will enhance the overall dish.
Create a little kick by adjusting the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
Cooking the sauce over medium heat ensures that it thickens properly without scorching.
For more richness, consider using a mix of cream and half-and-half.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 650 per serving
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

What type of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great in this recipe due to their crisp flavors.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it on the stove.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a fantastic dish that is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Whether you choose to enjoy it as is or mix in your favorite proteins and vegetables, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate. It makes for a comforting weeknight dinner and stands out at gatherings with friends and family. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and share your experience! We’d love to hear how your version turned out, so let us know in the comments below!