Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 Alt milk; 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·5.2 from 26 reviews

If you’re searching for the coziest weeknight dinner that feels like an indulgent restaurant treat, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe. Brimming with juicy cherry tomatoes, deeply aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream-kissed sauce, this pasta delivers comfort with every forkful. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with just one pan—and it’s wonderfully adaptable for any home cook’s schedule or pantry staples. Whether you want to impress friends, feed your family in a flash, or simply spoil yourself, the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will instantly become a staple in your rotation.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is how each ingredient serves a delicious purpose, contributing to the vibrant color, silky texture, or comforting flavor in every bite. Even though the list is short and sweet, each element is simply essential for building those crave-worthy layers of taste.

Garlic Cloves (8, minced): The star of the dish, garlic brings a bold, aromatic backbone to the sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups, halved): These burst with sweet, tangy flavor that infuses the sauce and adds gorgeous color.
Olive Oil (4 tbsp): Rich and fruity, olive oil is used for sautéing and builds the sauce’s foundation.
Dry White Wine (1 cup): Adds a gentle acidity and enhances all the aromatics—don’t skip this for depth of flavor.
White Sugar (1 tsp, plus more as listed): Just a little helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Chili Flakes (1 tsp): For a subtle, warming kick that makes the sauce sing.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor, making your sauce taste like it simmered for hours.
Heavy Cream (2 cups) or Alt Milk (1:1 swap): The key to that dreamy, velvety texture—use your favorite nondairy substitute if you wish.
Flour (1 tbsp): Whisked into a slurry, this thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
Chopped Parsley (½ cup): Fresh, bright and herby—this lifts the entire dish and adds color.
Rigatoni Pasta (8 oz, cooked al dente): Its hearty shape hugs the sauce, making every bite satisfying.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a whisper of smokiness and beautiful red hue.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Doubles down on the garlicky goodness.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): The classic seasoning duo, crucial for balance.
Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional): For a salty, umami-rich finish—don’t be shy!

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Kick things off by tackling a bit of simple prep work. Mince your garlic finely to help it melt into the sauce, and halve those cherry tomatoes—they’ll brighten your pan in no time. This step sets you up for breezy, distraction-free cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat up the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add in all that minced garlic and half a teaspoon of salt. Let the garlic work its magic for about 5 minutes, stirring often. You’re after a golden color and that irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen—don’t let it burn.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and another half teaspoon of salt. Let them sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will soften, collapse, and release their sweet juices, starting to build a vibrant and flavorful base for your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the dry white wine, letting it bubble and simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where all the sticky, flavorful bits on the pan get lifted and stirred into the sauce. Now, add the chili flakes and tomato paste, and mix well. You’ll see the sauce deepen in color and immediate aroma.

Step 5: Add the Cream & Thicken

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream (or your favorite alt milk). In a separate small bowl, whisk the flour with a couple tablespoons of water to make a smooth slurry, then slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring. Let everything cook for 5 to 10 minutes, giving it an occasional stir until it looks thick, silky, and luscious.

Step 6: Season & Combine

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and generous pinches of salt and pepper. Now add your al dente rigatoni right into the pan—if you’ve cooked it in advance, a little pasta water helps everything meld. Toss to coat every piece in the creamy, tomatoey sauce.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the pasta and sauce become one. Then cover the pan, take it off the heat, and let it rest for 5 full minutes. This is a secret trick: the flavors come together, and your sauce clings even more perfectly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Dole out generous portions and finish with a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan, a smattering of extra parsley, and a generous twist of black pepper. The Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is ready for its closeup!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For the prettiest (and tastiest) plate, shower your pasta with a handful of chopped parsley and a fluff of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cracked black pepper, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a sprinkle of extra chili flakes can truly make your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe stand out.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but a crisp green salad, classic garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect companions. Their freshness and crunch pair beautifully with the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe’s rich, comforting sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your pasta in wide, shallow bowls and topping each one with a big spoonful of burrata or creamy ricotta. Or ladle it into a large platter family-style, letting everyone dig in from the center. Mini skillets or oven-proof ramekins make adorable single servings for a cozy dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe to cool to room temperature, then transfer any extras to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days; the flavors get even better as they develop overnight!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pasta! For best results, cool completely first. Place in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to one month. Just be mindful that creamy sauces can sometimes separate, but a good stir will bring it back together.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore that dreamy texture. Stir often and heat until just warmed through. Microwave reheating also works—cover to avoid splatters and add a drizzle of cream if it looks dry.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cherry tomatoes tend to be sweeter and less watery, so taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Roma or grape tomatoes are also great swaps for the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No problem. You can use an equal amount of vegetable broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. The wine adds depth, but your sauce will still turn out beautifully.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy free?

Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy milk (like oat or cashew for creaminess) and skip the Parmesan or opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is just as comforting without dairy.

How spicy is this pasta?

With the chili flakes, it has a gentle kick that most palates will love. If you like things hotter, add extra chili or serve with hot sauce at the table. You can also omit the flakes for a mild, kid-friendly version.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely—short shapes like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work perfectly. The most important part is to cook your pasta just to al dente so it soaks up the sauce without becoming mushy in the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe and see how effortlessly it brings comfort and joy to your table. Every bite is pure coziness—brimming with creamy, aromatic flavor that’s sure to win hearts and earn a permanent spot in your pasta repertoire. Happy cooking!