Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a cozy, flavorful weeknight meal that brings rich tomato sauce, golden garlic, and velvety cream together in under 35 minutes. Each bite of rigatoni is coated in a luscious, slightly spicy sauce that balances sweetness from cherry tomatoes with a touch of heat from chili flakes. It’s the perfect vegetarian comfort food—simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
8 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
4 tbsp (60ml) olive oil
1 cup (240ml) dry white wine
1 tsp (5g) white sugar
1 tsp (2g) chili flakes
2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream or alt milk (1:1 swap)
1 tbsp (9g) flour
½ cup (15g) chopped parsley
8 oz (225g) rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
1 tsp (2g) garlic powder
1 tsp (5g) sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ½ tsp salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Cook tomatoes: Stir in cherry tomatoes and another ½ tsp salt. Let cook for 10–15 minutes until soft and bursting.
Deglaze: Pour in white wine and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.
Add flavor: Mix in chili flakes and tomato paste, stirring until combined.
Make it creamy: Add heavy cream (or alt milk). In a separate bowl, whisk flour with a splash of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
Season: Add parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Combine: Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce and coat evenly.
Rest & serve: Cover, turn off the heat, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with parmesan, parsley, and a dash of pepper.
Notes
Resting the pasta lets the sauce absorb for a richer taste.
For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk and vegan butter or olive oil.
Substitute white wine with vegetable broth plus a splash of lemon juice.
Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme enhance flavor beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American