Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Ah, the joy of creamy garlic pasta! There’s something about the combination of succulent cherry tomatoes and rich, garlicky cream that simply wraps you in a warm embrace with every bite. I still remember the first time I whipped this up — a cozy evening, the comforting smell of garlic wafting through the air, and a bottle of white wine gently chilling in the fridge. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual night in with friends, this pasta will not disappoint.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, why should you dive into this delightful dish? First off, imagine biting into perfectly al dente rigatoni drenched in a creamy garlic sauce that’s just the right amount of tangy from the tomatoes and the white wine. It’s like a culinary hug! And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to master it. The ingredients are straightforward, and the method is simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.

Not to mention, the 8 cloves of garlic! Yes, I said it — 8! They work their magic, transforming ordinary flavors into sheer deliciousness. And for those who might be concerned about dietary preferences, it’s easily adaptable. Dairy-free? No problem. Substitute the heavy cream with your favorite alternative, and voilà! You still get that luscious texture.

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is not just a meal; it’s a beautiful way to gather, to share, and to enjoy the rich experience of comfort food. Plus, the fresh parsley sprinkled on top? That’s the artisan touch that takes it from simple to stunning.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need before you dive into this culinary adventure:

• 8 Garlic Cloves (minced): The essential aromatic that will form the base of our sauce. Fresh is always best; don’t skimp here!

• 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved): These little bursts of sweetness elevate the dish and provide a gorgeous splash of color.

• 4 tbsp Olive Oil: A must for sautéing the garlic to a golden perfection.

• 1 cup Dry White Wine: Adds depth and a beautifully complex flavor. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking because its essence infuses the dish!

• 1 tsp White Sugar and 1 tsp Chili Flakes: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while chili flakes introduce a mild kick.

• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor — definitely a non-negotiable here!

• 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternative milk): This creamy goodness smooths everything out. Feel free to use any non-dairy milk you love, just match the consistency.

• 1 tbsp Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious texture we crave.

• 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley: A fresh herb that brightens everything up, making it feel vibrant.

• 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta (cooked al dente): The perfect vessel for all that creamy sauce. Don’t overcook it, or we’ll be sad!

• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika and 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Extra flavor bombs that elevate the dish to new heights.

• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Always essential.

• Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional): Because who can say no to cheese?

The cooking process explained

Ready to make your kitchen sing? Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by mincing your garlic and slicing those halved cherry tomatoes. A little prep goes a long way!

2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic with a sprinkle of salt. Sauté until it turns golden and starts to smell heavenly — about 5 minutes. Don’t walk away; garlic can be sneaky!

3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add in those beautiful cherry tomatoes and another dash of salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes until they soften and release their natural juices. Stir occasionally and just relish the aroma!

4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to deepen. Stir in 1 tsp of chili flakes and 2 tbsp of tomato paste, mixing it all together.

5. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in 2 cups of heavy cream while stirring. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp of flour and 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to your sauce, stirring constantly as it thickens over the next 5-10 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

6. Season & Combine: Stir in your chopped parsley, sprinkle in 1 tsp of smoked paprika, and a dash of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. It’s like a symphony of flavors! Add in your cooked rigatoni, being careful not to overcook it.

7. Finish Cooking: Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. Once removed from heat, cover with a lid and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

8. Serve: Dish it up, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, some extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that yours is all plated up and deliciously creamy, how do you serve this beauty? Feeling fancy? Pair it with a crisp garden salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette for a burst of freshness. A side of garlic bread wouldn’t hurt either — after all, you can never have too much garlic, right?

And if you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of that same dry white wine you cooked with will enhance the flavors beautifully. It brings out the notes of garlic and tomato.

How to store and freeze

Got leftovers? First of all, high-fives to you! Store any excess creamy pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as it may thicken in the fridge. Microwave or heat gently on the stovetop, stirring back in that luscious creaminess.

If you’re thinking of freezing this pasta, I suggest you skip that. Cream-based sauces don’t always thaw well and can separate, leading to a less-than-appealing texture. But hey, fresh is always best, right?

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some of my secret tips to ensure you shine while making this dish:

• Garlic is King: Use fresh garlic over powdered. The flavor just can’t be beat.

• Wine Choice: Keep it dry! Sweet wines can throw off the balance of flavors.

• Add Depth of Flavor: Don’t hesitate to toast the spices before adding liquids — it’s a game changer!

• Customize for Your Palate: If you like it spicier, play with the chili flakes!

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up?

• Add Proteins: Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp during the sauce phase for added protein. Vegetarians? Try adding chickpeas!

• Veggie Boost: Did someone say zucchini or spinach? Both make for fantastic additions. Just throw them in with the tomatoes to sauté.

• Herbal Variations: Experiment with fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different twist.

Finally, consider nutty toppings like toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of goat cheese to take things to the next level!

Common questions

1. What’s the best pasta to use? Rigatoni is fabulous, but feel free to swap it out for penne or fettuccine based on your preference.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of heavy cream? Yes! But keep in mind the texture will be less rich. A 1:1 swap with alternative milk works well too.

3. How can I make it vegan? Use plant-based cream as a substitute and ensure your pasta is egg-free.

4. How can I adjust the spice level? For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes.

5. Is this good for meal prep? Yes! Just store properly and reheat with a bit of liquid to keep it creamy.

I hope you dive headfirst into making this magnificent creamy tomato garlic pasta! Remember, every dish is an opportunity to create, to share, and to bring joy — so have fun with it. Whether you stick to the recipe or throw in your own flair, I can’t wait to hear your stories. Happy cooking!

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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy D Delicious E Easy Quick Meals Vegetarian Meals W Warm

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 45 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A delightful creamy pasta dish featuring garlic, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of white wine.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 cloves Garlic, minced (The essential aromatic that will form the base of our sauce.)
• 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved (Provides sweetness and color.)
• 4 tbsp Olive Oil (For sautéing the garlic.)
• 1 cup Dry White Wine (Adds depth to the flavor.)
• 1 tsp White Sugar (Balances the acidity.)
• 1 tsp Chili Flakes (Adds a mild kick.)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (Intensifies the tomato flavor.)
• 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternative) (For creaminess.)
• 1 tbsp Flour (To thicken the sauce.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Chopped Parsley (For garnish.)
• 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta, cooked al dente (Perfect vessel for the sauce.)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Extra flavor.)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Extra flavor.)
• to taste Salt & Pepper (For seasoning.)
• to taste Freshly Grated Parmesan (Optional garnish.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prep the Ingredients

   Minced the garlic and slice the halved cherry tomatoes.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Garlic

   Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the minced garlic until golden.
   About 5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Tomatoes

   Add the cherry tomatoes and another dash of salt. Cook until softened.
   10-15 minutes.
   Mark as complete

4. Deglaze the Pan

   Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
   Add chili flakes and tomato paste.
   Mark as complete

5. Add the Cream

   Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add the flour slurry for thickening.
   Let the sauce thicken over 5-10 minutes.
   Mark as complete

6. Season & Combine

   Stir in parsley, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the cooked rigatoni.
   Mark as complete

7. Finish Cooking

   Let simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. Cover and let rest.
   This helps flavors meld.
   Mark as complete

8. Serve

   Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 400mg17%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 60g20%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 15g30%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 20 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic pasta, tomato, comfort food, weeknight dinner