Looking for a cozy comfort food dish that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with veggies? This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is exactly what you need. It comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers all the indulgence of your favorite creamy pasta dishes—without being overly heavy. Bonus: It’s a veggie-packed, nutrient-rich meal the whole family will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
- Done in 30 minutes
- Filled with fresh garlic and cherry tomatoes
- Creamy, cozy, and perfect for weeknights
- Packed with flavor thanks to herbs, spices, and dry white wine
- Easily customizable with pantry staples and substitutions
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Garlic cloves – fresh, minced
- Cherry tomatoes – halved
- Olive oil – for sautéing
- Dry white wine – adds depth of flavor
- White sugar – balances acidity
- Chili flakes – optional kick
- Tomato paste – for richness
- Heavy cream – ultra creamy base
- Flour – helps thicken the sauce
- Chopped parsley – for freshness
- Rigatoni pasta – or your favorite shape
- Smoked paprika & garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese – optional for garnish
Scroll down to the full recipe card for measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies
Mince the garlic and slice your cherry tomatoes in half.
2. Sauté Garlic
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté until golden and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Cook the Tomatoes
Add tomatoes and another pinch of salt. Let them cook down for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until juicy and soft.
4. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in white wine and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add chili flakes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in heavy cream. In a small bowl, whisk flour with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
6. Add Herbs & Spices
Stir in chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine with Pasta
Add cooked rigatoni (al dente) to the sauce. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. Rest & Serve
Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper. Serve warm.
Substitutions & Variations
- No white wine? Use veggie or chicken broth + splash of vinegar.
- No heavy cream? Swap with half-and-half or store-bought Alfredo sauce.
- No rigatoni? Try penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
- No cherry tomatoes? Use chopped roma, sun-dried, or canned tomatoes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large sauté pan
- Knife & cutting board
- Pot to boil pasta
- Small bowl for slurry
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing not recommended—the cream may separate.
3 Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Undercook the pasta slightly to keep it firm after simmering in the sauce.
- Whisk flour into water first before adding to avoid lumps.
- Use fresh herbs and garlic for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I balance tomato flavor in pasta?
Add a pinch of sugar and enough cream to balance acidity.
Can I use raw garlic?
Cooked garlic is best—it gives a mellow, sweet flavor rather than a sharp bite.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use a flour slurry or reduce the sauce over low heat to naturally thicken.
Perfect Pairings
Looking for the perfect dessert after your pasta dinner?
- 🍒 Chocolate Cherry Cake
- 🥛 Vanilla Milk Tres Leches
- 🥕 Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 🍫 Oreo Cheesecake Cake
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe Card
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Course: Main | Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean Fusion
Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic with salt until golden.
- Add tomatoes and more salt. Cook until soft and juicy.
- Deglaze with wine. Add chili flakes and tomato paste. Simmer.
- Stir in cream. Whisk flour with water and add to the sauce. Cook until thick.
- Add parsley, paprika, garlic powder, and seasoning.
- Mix in pasta. Simmer 5 more minutes.
- Cover, rest, and serve with garnishes.