Dinner

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 Garlic Cloves (minced); 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley; 4 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 cup Dry White Wine; 1 tsp White Sugar; 1 tsp Chili Flakes; 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 1 tbsp Flour; Salt & Pepper (to taste); 1 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Sugar; 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternative milk, 1:1 swap); Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional); 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta (cooked al dente)

ByLila Prescott January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

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Introduction

This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a luscious, comforting dish that combines rich flavors with a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it features tender rigatoni tossed in a velvety tomato and garlic sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s sure to become a favorite.

A white bowl with a blue rim holds a serving of rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce with visible specks of herbs and pepper. The pasta pieces are layered in a small mound, each tube coated evenly with the sauce. On top, there is a single small white mozzarella ball sprinkled with red chili flakes. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs and scattered shreds of white cheese, along with some cracked black pepper and red chili flakes providing color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 tbsp olive oil
1 cup dry white wine

1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp chili flakes

2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups heavy cream (or alternate milk, 1:1 swap)
1 tbsp flour

1/2 cup chopped parsley
8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Mince the garlic cloves and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Step 2: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the cherry tomatoes and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 4: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste, mixing well.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this to the sauce, stirring to thicken. Cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Stir in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni, mixing gently to combine.
Step 7: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 8: Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrients.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds rigatoni pasta coated in a thick, creamy orange sauce with visible flecks of herbs and spices. The pasta is layered evenly across the bowl, with fresh chopped green parsley sprinkled on top, along with small bits of red chili flakes. Shreds of white cheese are scattered over the pasta, adding texture and contrast. At the center, a smooth round ball of white cheese sits, garnished with a few red chili flakes. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with most pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What can I substitute for the white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice for acidity. This will maintain the depth of flavor in the sauce.