Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spices creates a deliciously rich sauce.
- Comforting: The creamy texture makes it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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)
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes and another pinch of salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce, allowing it to thicken over 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season & Combine: Stir in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked rigatoni, making sure the pasta is al dente to avoid overcooking in the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Cover with a lid and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a crack of black pepper. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein.
- Vegetarian Twist: Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred heat level.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes if fresh cherry tomatoes are not available.
What type of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch for the slurry.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use a plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
What other pasta shapes can I use?
Penne, fusilli, or any short pasta shapes work well with this sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Continue to simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency, or add a bit more of the flour slurry.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes, stirring in some grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese can add extra richness.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements this dish nicely.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness in every bite!
creamy tomato garlic pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of creamy tomato garlic pasta. Made with rigatoni, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cream, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- Prep Ingredients: Mince the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic with a pinch of salt, cooking until golden (5 minutes).
- Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and sauté with a pinch of salt until softened (10–15 minutes).
- Deglaze: Pour in white wine, simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream. Mix flour with 2 tbsp water for a slurry, then add to the sauce. Simmer until thickened (5–10 minutes).
- Season & Combine: Add parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked rigatoni.
- Simmer: Let the pasta cook in the sauce for 5 minutes. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
Notes
- Adjust spice by varying chili flakes.
- Add proteins like chicken or shrimp for variation.
- Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch for gluten-free adaptations.
- Substitute plant-based cream for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
