Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 the Alt milk (1:1 swap); 1 tablespoon Flour; ½ cup Chopped Parsley; 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta cooked al dente; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt & Pepper to taste; Freshly Grated Parmesan optional

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 13 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, luscious, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine perfectly cooked rigatoni wrapped in a velvety sauce made from sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a splash of cream, all rounded out with a touch of wine and parmesan. Each bite is cozy, tangy, and just a little bit daring with a hint of chili. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes, but tastes like you spent all evening in the kitchen trying to impress someone special. Trust me, this is the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe you’ll crave whenever you want to treat yourself.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient shines and plays its own delicious role. You don’t need a grocery list a mile long, just a few essentials with big flavors. Here’s what brings the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe together, and how each ingredient stars in the final result:

Garlic Cloves (8, minced): This dish lives up to its name with loads of garlic—bring on that bold, aromatic punch!
Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups, halved): Sweet and juicy, they create a bright, fresh sauce base when softened.
Olive Oil (4 tbsp): Rich and fragrant, olive oil sets a beautiful foundation by gently sautéing the garlic.
Dry White Wine (1 cup): Adds a subtle acidity and complexity, bringing out the tomato and garlic flavors.
White Sugar (1 tsp): Balances acidity for a perfectly rounded sauce—don’t skip this tiny touch!
Chili Flakes (1 tsp): Brings just enough gentle heat to wake up your taste buds.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta.
Heavy Cream or Alt Milk (2 cups): For that signature creamy texture—dairy or your favorite alt milk works equally well.
Flour (1 tbsp): Whisked with water, it thickens the sauce just right so every bite is silky.
Chopped Parsley (½ cup): Brings freshness and a pop of gorgeous green to the dish.
Rigatoni Pasta (8 oz, cooked al dente): Hearty tubes perfect for catching the creamy sauce in every bite.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a subtle smoky layer that sneaks up and surprises you (in the best way).
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Reinforces the delicious garlicky notes—double the garlic, double the joy!
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the sauce and balancing flavors.
Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional): Because a little salty, nutty cheese on top makes everything better.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by mincing your garlic and slicing those lovely cherry tomatoes in half. Having everything ready before you hit the stove makes this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe a breeze to throw together—no frantic chopping mid-cook!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large pan, heat up the olive oil over medium. Add your minced garlic and half a teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden—not brown. This is your base layer of flavor, so let it sing.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Toss in those halved cherry tomatoes along with another half teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the tomatoes have softened and started to release their juices. They’ll break down into a luscious, chunky sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the dry white wine, letting it bubble away for about five minutes. This step lifts all those tasty caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan right into your sauce. Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste, blending everything well for that bold, tomato-garlic flavor.

Step 5: Add the Cream & Thicken

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Make a quick slurry by mixing the flour with two tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stream that into your sauce, stirring as you go, and let the whole thing simmer another 5-10 minutes until it thickens up into a dreamy, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Season & Combine

Add in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a generous amount of black pepper. Then, add your cooked rigatoni, making sure it’s still perfectly al dente. Toss everything together so the pasta gets completely coated with that glorious sauce.

Step 7: Simmer & Finish

Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for an extra five minutes. Remove from the heat, cover with a lid, and let everything rest for five more minutes to let the flavors fall in love with each other. It makes all the difference!

Step 8: Serve

To finish your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe, top with a handful of freshly grated parmesan, some extra parsley, and a twist of black pepper. Serve right away, and just watch how quickly everyone grabs a plate!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

This beautiful pasta truly deserves a little flourish at the end. Try a shower of freshly grated parmesan, a scattering of chopped parsley, or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra shine. If you enjoy a little more spice, a pinch of extra chili flakes on top always looks gorgeous (and tastes amazing)!

Side Dishes

To keep things cozy and balanced, serve your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Warm, crusty bread for mopping up any extra sauce is highly recommended. If you want to go all out, roasted vegetables or a platter of marinated olives make great sidekicks.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dress things up? Serve portions in shallow pasta bowls and garnish with whole roasted cherry tomatoes for a festive pop. For date night, twirl the pasta into little nests and top with a sprig of parsley. Or serve family-style in a big, rustic bowl with extra parmesan on the side—everyone digs in together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce continues to marry with the pasta, becoming even more flavorful by the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though the sauce may become slightly less creamy upon thawing. To do so, store cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zipper bag for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk, cream, or even water to the pasta and warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. This brings the sauce back to creamy life. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just add a little liquid and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well with the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe. Just be sure to cook until al dente so the pasta doesn’t go mushy in the sauce.

What if I want to make it vegetarian or vegan?

You’re in luck! Simply use your preferred unsweetened alt milk and skip the parmesan (or use a vegan version). The sauce will still turn out luxuriously creamy and delicious.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make wonderful additions. Just add your protein during the last simmer so it soaks up some of the creamy tomato garlic goodness.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you don’t cook with wine, you can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for that little bit of acidity. The Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe will still be full of bright flavor!

Can I make this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce a day in advance and cook the pasta just before serving. Simply reheat the sauce, boil fresh pasta, and toss everything together—the flavors will be even more delicious!

Final Thoughts

With its bold flavors, comforting creaminess, and speedy prep, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something spectacular. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) this dish as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation!