Whip Up This Dreamy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe Tonight

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe delivers a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.

Aromatic garlic and ripe tomatoes meld together, creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta.

Each forkful bursts with rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

The simple ingredients transform into a luxurious dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this type of elegant meal, but you can craft it effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Prepare to indulge in a pasta experience that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Simple Batch Perks

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this pasta comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding protein, swapping herbs, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, rich sauce and classic flavors make this dish a hit with both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delightful meal with family or friends.

Everything Needed for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Pasta: Serves as the base for this creamy tomato dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provides fresh, sweet flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the entire dish.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce texture.
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Herbs, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
• Flour: Used to create a slurry for sauce thickening.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing garlic and creating the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish when served.

Cooking Directions for Tomato Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Grab your cutting board and knife.

Finely chop the garlic into tiny, fragrant pieces.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, revealing their juicy insides.

Set these colorful ingredients aside, ready for culinary magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the minced garlic and watch it sizzle and turn golden brown.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them dance in the pan, softening and releasing their sweet juices for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Build a Luxurious Sauce

Pour in the wine, letting it bubble and reduce for about 5 minutes.

• Tomato paste
• Heavy cream
• Flour slurry

Simmer the sauce, allowing it to thicken and become wonderfully creamy for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Elevate with Seasonings

Sprinkle in fresh herbs and your favorite seasonings.

Mix these flavor enhancers thoroughly into the sauce.

Fold in the cooked pasta, coating each strand with the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Final Touch of Perfection

Let the pasta simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.

When serving, generously shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy pasta right in your own kitchen!

Tips for Rich, Saucy Tomato Pasta

• Use a sharp knife and mince garlic finely to release maximum flavor without burning.
• Low and slow heat helps cherry tomatoes break down naturally, creating a richer sauce base without becoming bitter.
• Stir wine reduction constantly to prevent burning and concentrate flavors effectively.
• Whisk flour slurry smoothly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, consistent sauce texture.
• Fresh basil or oregano elevates the dish's aroma and adds bright, authentic Mediterranean notes.

Variations for Creamy Tomato Garlic Lovers

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta: Swap dairy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh basil. Include crumbled feta cheese for extra tang.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice. Keep creamy tomato sauce intact for rich flavor profile.

Serving Pasta with Salad or Bread

• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair this creamy tomato garlic pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
• Gourmet Protein Boost: Top the pasta with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or pan-fried salmon to create a heartier main course that elevates the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a chilled glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy tomato sauce's rich flavors.
• Elegant Side Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan shavings, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-style finishing touch.

Storing Tomato Garlic Pasta for Easy Lunches

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, but a quick stir will help restore its original texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce's smoothness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
• Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, which can separate and lose its creamy consistency when thawed. Fresh pasta always tastes best when enjoyed immediately.
• If storing, place plastic wrap directly on the pasta's surface to prevent a skin from forming and to maintain moisture levels.

FAQs

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• What type of wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly. The wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.

• Is it possible to make this pasta dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the wine or replace it with vegetable broth. The cream and tomato base will still create a rich, delicious sauce that’s completely vegetarian-friendly.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, velvety sauce and aromatic herbs. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 8 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Supporting Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Finely chop garlic and slice cherry tomatoes in half to prepare for cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4. Pour white wine into the skillet and allow it to reduce by half, concentrating the flavors for about 4-5 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, creating a rich base for the sauce, then gently whisk in heavy cream and a flour slurry to thicken the consistency.
6. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
7. Incorporate fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper, blending the seasonings thoroughly into the creamy sauce.
8. Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to coat every strand with the velvety tomato garlic sauce.
9. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to absorb flavors and reach optimal temperature.
10. Remove from heat, cover the skillet, and let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes to marry the flavors.
11. Serve hot, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor profile and natural sweetness in the sauce.
• Use a light hand when adding flour slurry to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or gloppy.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked before final simmer, allowing it to absorb sauce and finish cooking perfectly.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg