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 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 cup Dry White Wine; 1 teaspoon White Sugar; 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes; 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 2 cups Heavy Cream or Alternative 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)

If you’re longing for a bowl of comforting, rich pasta that’ll leave you swooning at every forkful, the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe is your new weeknight hero. It’s creamy, garlicky, just the right amount of tang from ripe cherry tomatoes, and comes together in only 35 minutes—an absolute delight for both the time-crunched and the flavor-obsessed. This dish blends lush sauce, toothsome rigatoni, and a bouquet of Mediterranean flavors in every bite, making it a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is beautifully simple, but don’t let that fool you—each component brings something special, whether it’s depth, creaminess, or a pop of fresh color. Sourcing quality basics turns the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Garlic Cloves (8, minced): The undeniable star, infusing the sauce with sweet, aromatic undertones.
Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups, halved): Offer natural sweetness and a vibrant, juicy mouthfeel that balances the cream.
Olive Oil (4 tbsp): Ensures a luscious base for sautéing and adds Mediterranean richness.
Dry White Wine (1 cup): Deglazes the pan, unlocking deeper tomato and garlic flavors.
White Sugar (1 tsp): Just a hint to round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Chili Flakes (1 tsp): Provides gentle heat and complexity to the sauce.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives extra body to the sauce.
Heavy Cream (2 cups) or Alt Milk: This creamy element transforms the sauce, or try your favorite plant-based milk for a lighter twist.
Flour (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce for a velvety final texture.
Chopped Parsley (½ cup): Adds brightness and color to each serving.
Rigatoni Pasta (8 oz, cooked al dente): The ideal shape for holding the sauce in every bite.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Delivers subtle smokiness that makes this pasta unforgettable.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Deepens the garlic note without overpowering the dish.
Sugar (1 tsp): Helps perfect the sauce’s balance.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for unlocking all the flavors.
Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional): The finishing touch—nutty, salty, and oh-so-indulgent.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics and Tomatoes

You’ll want to start with all your chopping: mince the garlic finely (the more, the better for maximum flavor!) and halve your fresh cherry tomatoes. Prepping everything in advance makes the next steps much smoother, so you won’t have to pause when the action gets sizzling.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat your olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in all that lovely garlic along with a pinch of salt. Sauté gently, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. You want it golden and fragrant, but not browned—this is where the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe truly starts to build its flavor base.

Step 3: Break Down the Tomatoes

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a bit more salt, then cook them down with the garlic for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to help the tomatoes soften and release their juices. This is a key moment when that sweet-tart tomato flavor deepens for the dreamy sauce to come.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine, letting it simmer gently for around 5 minutes. This step both deglazes any tasty bits on the bottom of the pan and gives the sauce a sophisticated tang. Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste, mixing well so everything’s beautifully incorporated.

Step 5: Make it Lusciously Creamy

Now pour in your heavy cream and give it a good stir. In a small bowl, whisk your flour with a splash of water to create a smooth slurry—this ensures you get thickness without clumps. Slowly whisk this into your simmering pan. Let the sauce bubble away for 5–10 minutes, stirring so it thickens to luxurious, silky perfection.

Step 6: Season and Add Pasta

Add the fresh parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, a pinch more salt, pepper, and that last bit of sugar. Next, toss in your perfectly cooked rigatoni and fold everything together so each tube is generously coated. The pasta will finish cooking as it soaks up the luscious sauce, so don’t worry if it’s just under al dente.

Step 7: Finish and Rest

Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes at low heat. Then, remove from the heat, cover your pan, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is the secret to a harmonious Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe—the resting melds all those robust flavors into a symphony of creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Finish with a cascade of freshly grated Parmesan, more chopped parsley, and a few grinds of black pepper. Plate up, serve immediately, and prepare to be hailed as a pasta genius!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe from delicious to dinner party-worthy. A generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan is an absolute must, bringing salty depth and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sprinkle over more chopped parsley for freshness and a subtle herbal aroma, along with a final twist of cracked black pepper. For a little color contrast and zing, you might even add a pinch of extra chili flakes.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with simple sides that don’t compete for attention. A crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette cleanses the palate between bites. For something heartier, try warm garlic bread or a rustic sourdough. You can also offer sautéed greens or grilled asparagus to add a vibrant, fresh element to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, serve the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe in shallow pasta bowls, twirling the rigatoni into little “nests.” Top each portion with extra garnishes and maybe a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. For a family-style presentation, mound the glistening pasta on a large serving platter and let everyone dig in. Or for a fun, modern twist, portion it into small ramekins as a starter at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce might thicken slightly as it cools, but the flavors will only deepen! Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days—just be sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it up to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if you need to. Place completely cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. Just keep in mind that cream sauces can change texture after freezing, but a quick stir when reheating can help bring back its creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir frequently until warmed through. This gently revives the sauce’s creamy texture without scorching the bottom. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use another pasta shape instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fabulous for holding onto the sauce, any short, tubular pasta like penne or ziti will work just as well. Even spaghetti can be used if that’s what’s on hand—the magic lies in the creamy tomato garlic sauce!

Is there a vegan version of the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened plant milk (oat, cashew, or almond work great) and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version. The hearty tomato and garlic flavors are just as satisfying.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat gently, cook your pasta fresh, and toss them together for a freshly made taste in minutes.

What wine should I use for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even an unoaked Chardonnay works nicely. Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking with dinner—it should be crisp and not too sweet to balance the creamy tomato garlic sauce.

How can I make it spicier?

If you like a real kick, add extra chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili along with the garlic. A pinch of hot smoked paprika can also up the heat and layer in more complex flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe has a spot in my regular rotation—it’s pure comfort with a gourmet edge, and everyone who tries it falls instantly in love. Whether you’re treating yourself or making dinner for friends, you’ll find it’s the quickest way to feel like a pasta pro. Give it a whirl, and you’ll be craving it again before the dishes are even done!