Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

This creamy tomato garlic pasta comes together in under thirty minutes and packs plenty of veggie goodness without skimping on comfort. When the craving hits for a bowl of pasta that soothes and satisfies everyone at the table look no further than this easy weeknight winner.

The first time I made this pasta I watched my kids scrape their bowls completely clean It instantly became our family’s go to meal whenever we want something cozy and satisfying

Ingredients

• Garlic cloves: bring a sweet mellow base when golden be sure to use fresh firm bulbs for best flavor
• Cherry tomatoes: provide juicy sweetness and color pick the ripest plump ones you can find or sub with good canned tomatoes in a pinch
• Olive oil: gives depth and silky texture extra virgin delivers the best aroma
• Dry white wine: adds brightness and complexity choose a crisp affordable bottle you would enjoy drinking
• Heavy cream: creates the creamy mouthfeel whole cream has the richest flavor do not use low fat
• Tomato paste: concentrates the tomato flavor layer choose a deep red paste for most impact
• Flour: thickens the sauce seamlessly plain all purpose flour works well
• Chopped parsley: adds freshness and color flat leaf parsley is the most flavorful
• Rigatoni pasta: holds the sauce in its tubes use bronze cut pasta for maximum cling
• Chili flakes smoked paprika garlic powder salt and pepper: round out the profile look for vibrant spices that smell fragrant when you open the jar
• Parmesan for serving: brings a final buttery snap use a wedge to grate fresh over the top for the best melt

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

Finely mince the garlic and slice each cherry tomato in half Lay out and measure remaining ingredients so everything is ready at your fingertips

Sauté the Garlic:

Warm olive oil in a roomy pan over medium low heat Add the chopped garlic and a pinch of salt Cook the garlic gently and stir regularly for about five minutes until it becomes golden and fills the kitchen with fragrance Watch carefully to prevent burning

Cook the Tomatoes:

Add the cherry tomatoes and another pinch of salt Stir to coat them in the fragrant oil Let them cook slowly for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally As they break down they should release their juices and form the base of the sauce

Deglaze with Wine and Season:

Pour in the white wine and let it bubble for about five minutes scraping the pan to lift any caramelized bits Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste Mix thoroughly making sure the tomato paste dissolves evenly Turn the heat a little lower if needed to avoid burning

Add Cream and Thicken:

Stir in the heavy cream to bring the sauce together In a small bowl whisk flour with a couple of spoons of water to make a smooth paste Drizzle this into the pan while stirring so it blends in without lumps Let it all gently simmer five to ten minutes while stirring to thicken

Season and Finish:

Sprinkle in chopped parsley smoked paprika garlic powder salt and pepper Stir thoroughly until the herbs melt into the sauce Cook the rigatoni to just shy of al dente then stir into the sauce so it finishes cooking in the pan and soaks up flavor

Rest for Flavor:

Turn off the heat Put a lid on the pan and let it rest for five minutes letting the pasta finish absorbing the sauce and meld all the flavors together

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon into warm bowls Top with extra grated parmesan more chopped parsley and a crack of black pepper right before serving

I have always loved using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness In the summertime we would pick them warm from the backyard and the sauce always tasted even more special My son calls this his happy pasta

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed glass or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to three days For reheating pour a little extra cream or water into the pan and warm slowly over low heat Avoid microwaving if possible as it can split the cream sauce This dish does not freeze well because the sauce may separate and become grainy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you run out of cherry tomatoes chopped roma or vine tomatoes work just as well For a dairy free version use full fat coconut cream and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast Gluten free pastas or chickpea pastas are excellent alternatives for anyone avoiding wheat To bring extra veggies into the meal stir in spinach or zucchini right at the end

Serving Suggestions

Top each dish with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish You can add cooked shredded chicken or seared shrimp for protein or toss in sauteed mushrooms for extra earthiness A bright salad with lemony greens makes the perfect side Counter the richness by serving with pickled vegetables or olives on the side

Cultural and Historical Context

Tomato and garlic pasta dishes are cornerstones of Mediterranean comfort food The fusion of creamy sauce with tomatoes echoes regional favorites found in Italy Spain and the Balkans where home cooks use what is fresh and in season This recipe pays homage to those traditions while making it simple for a modern home kitchen

Seasonal Adaptations

Use heirloom or sun gold tomatoes in summer for deeper flavor Add handfuls of baby spinach or kale in late winter or spring for color In fall try pumpkin puree in place of some tomatoes for a sweeter twist

Success Stories

Many readers have told me this pasta turned into their no fail dinner for busy weeknights My friend makes it every time she needs a quick dinner that looks and tastes impressive One family wrote that their picky toddler asked for more vegetables in her next helping

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can make the sauce ahead on its own and freeze it in a jar or bag for up to two months When ready to serve boil fresh pasta and reheat the sauce gently in a pan Whisk well if it separates from resting

Savor this cozy pasta whenever you need a fast weeknight meal or a boost of comfort It is sure to become part of your family’s regular dinner rotation

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How can I make the sauce thick and creamy?

Use a flour slurry mixed slowly into the simmering sauce for a smooth, velvety texture without lumps.

→ Is it important to cook the pasta al dente?

Yes, cooking pasta al dente prevents it from overcooking when mixed with the hot creamy sauce, preserving the ideal texture.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Try half-and-half, a store-bought Alfredo sauce, or a dairy-free substitute for a lighter or vegan option.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I substitute fresh tomatoes with canned?

Yes, use canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable, adjusting sweetness as needed.