Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe {Ready in 35 Mins}

Have you ever craved a pasta dish that's luxuriously creamy but still bursting with fresh flavors? This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe is exactly what you need in your life!

I created this recipe last month when Emily had a few friends over for dinner, and I needed something impressive that wouldn't keep me stuck in the kitchen all night. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes and garlic simmered in cream creates this irresistible sauce that clings perfectly to al dente rigatoni.

You might also love my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach if you're into rich, flavor-packed pasta dishes. It uses a similar cream base but with different add-ins that are equally delicious!

Why You Will Like This Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
• Creates restaurant-quality pasta at home
• The sauce is perfectly balanced - creamy, garlicky, and slightly sweet
• Leftovers taste even better the next day
• Versatile - you can add protein like chicken or shrimp
• Great for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

• 8 Garlic Cloves minced
• 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
• 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 cup Dry White Wine
• 1 teaspoon White Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 tablespoon Flour
• ½ cup Chopped Parsley
• 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta cooked al dente
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Freshly Grated Parmesan optional

How to Make This Creamy Tomato Pasta

1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
2. Sauté the Garlic: 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. The smell at this stage? Absolutely heavenly!
3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add 3 cups of cherry tomatoes and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. I love watching them burst and create this amazing flavor base.

1. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing everything together. This step builds such deep flavor!
2. Add the Cream: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce to thicken it, cooking for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season & Combine: Stir in ½ cup of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni, ensuring it remains al dente to avoid overcooking.

1. Finish Cooking: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

I've made this pasta dish at least seven times now, and I've picked up some tricks along the way that make a huge difference in the final result.

First, don't rush the garlic and tomato cooking process. Those first 15-20 minutes are where all the magic happens as the flavors develop.

The tomatoes need time to break down and release their natural sweetness. I made the mistake of rushing this step once, and the sauce wasn't nearly as flavorful.

For the best texture, cook your pasta just until al dente - it will continue cooking a bit in the hot sauce. No one likes mushy pasta, right?

If you're serving this to kids who might be sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the chili flakes. Emily prefers it with just a tiny pinch for flavor without the heat.

Don't have rigatoni? No problem! This tomato garlic pasta sauce works beautifully with penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti.

The key is using a pasta shape that can hold onto that luscious sauce.

Have you ever considered adding protein to make it a complete meal? I've tried it with grilled chicken and sautéed shrimp, and both versions were fantastic!

Storage and Reheating Your Creamy Pasta

This pasta keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

The flavors actually get better overnight as they have more time to meld together. Sometimes I make it specifically to have leftovers for lunch the next day!

When reheating, add a splash of water or a little cream to the pasta before warming it gently on the stove. This helps bring back the creamy consistency that might thicken in the fridge.

You can also freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on low heat, stirring frequently.

For meal prep, I sometimes make a double batch of just the sauce and freeze half for those nights when I need a quick dinner solution.

Variations of This Tomato Garlic Pasta

There are so many ways to customize this creamy tomato garlic pasta to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand!

For a vegetable-packed version, try adding baby spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.

I sometimes toss in a handful of fresh spinach right at the end, letting it wilt into the hot sauce.

Want to make it even more luxurious? Add 4 ounces of cream cheese along with the heavy cream for an extra velvety texture. This is my "special occasion" version!

For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with the tomato and garlic.

Love seafood? Try adding 1 pound of cleaned shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

The shrimp pick up all the amazing flavors while staying tender.

If you enjoy a kick of heat, double the chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. My husband always adds extra red pepper flakes to his portion.

Looking for a lighter version? You can substitute half the cream with chicken broth and still get a lovely sauce, just slightly less rich.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tomato Pasta

Recipes You May Like

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - If you love the garlic flavor in this pasta, you'll adore this chicken dish!
• Easy Alfredo Penne Pasta - Another creamy pasta option that's equally delicious but with a different flavor profile.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage - For when you want to spice things up with a different twist on creamy pasta.

Conclusion

This creamy tomato garlic pasta recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something that tastes like it took hours to make but actually comes together in just 35 minutes.

The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and silky cream creates a pasta dish that's both comforting and impressive.

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility - you can enjoy it as is for a meatless meal or add protein for something more substantial.

Either way, the rich sauce coating each piece of rigatoni makes for a truly satisfying dining experience.

I hope you'll give this recipe a try the next time you're craving something special but don't want to spend forever in the kitchen. Be sure to save this to Pinterest for later, and let me know how it turns out if you make it!