Easy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe That Makes Dinner Special

Comfort meets simplicity in this delightful tomato garlic pasta that promises a burst of flavor.

Each twirl of pasta coated in a luscious, easy tomato garlic sauce speaks volumes about home-style cooking.

Ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly with aromatic garlic, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a go-to for quick weeknight dinners.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate the entire experience, transforming a basic pasta into something extraordinary.

You’ll savor every bite of this mouthwatering creation that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta recipe that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to master.

Delicious Ways to Change Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein Power Plate: Incorporate cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu cubes directly into the sauce for a protein-packed meal that keeps you full longer.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Enhance the sauce with fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine, then top with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

FAQs

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal due to its tube-like shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly, but penne or fusilli can also work well as alternatives.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the chili flakes to control heat level. For mild, use just a pinch; for spicy, add more chili flakes or include some red pepper to increase the kick.

• Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable cream or a plant-based cream alternative. The base ingredients are all vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I prevent the garlic from burning during sautéing?

Keep the heat at medium-low and stir frequently. Once the garlic turns golden and becomes fragrant, it’s ready. Remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown too quickly to avoid a bitter taste.

What Makes This Tomato Garlic Pasta Special

• Dive into a pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Easily adjust heat levels with chili flakes, swap herbs, or add protein to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated technique changes.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, unexpected guests, or when you want maximum taste with minimal preparation – this creamy tomato garlic pasta delivers deliciousness in record time.
• Leverage everyday pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and cream to craft a luxurious pasta dish that feels expensive but costs pennies to create.

Simple Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty pasta shape with ridges that helps sauce cling beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that break down into a rich, jammy sauce base.
• Garlic: A flavor powerhouse that provides a deep, aromatic foundation for the dish.

• Olive Oil: A smooth cooking medium that helps sauté ingredients and build flavor.
• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a silky texture for the pasta sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Flour: Helps create a smooth, thickened sauce without lumps.
• Water: Used to create a flour slurry for sauce consistency.

• Chili Flakes, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder: Spices that add depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Parsley, Black Pepper, Salt: Fresh herbs and classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami-rich cheese that provides a perfect finishing touch.

Instructions to Make Tomato Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Grab a cutting board and chop garlic into tiny pieces.

Slice cherry tomatoes in half.

Having everything ready makes cooking a breeze.

Step 2: Heat Pan and Cook Garlic

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic with a pinch of salt.

Stir continuously until garlic turns golden and releases a mouth-watering aroma, about 5 minutes.

Keep the heat gentle to prevent burning.

Step 3: Transform Tomatoes

Drop halved cherry tomatoes into the pan.

Sprinkle with salt and let them cook slowly.

Watch as they soften and release sweet juices, creating a rich, jammy texture.

Stir occasionally over 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Chili flakes
• Tomato paste

Cook for a few minutes to deepen flavors.

Pour cream and whisk until smooth.

Make a flour slurry by mixing flour with water to prevent lumps.

Add to the sauce and simmer 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Season and Combine Pasta

• Chopped parsley
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets fully coated with the luscious tomato cream.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Let pasta rest covered for 5 minutes off the heat.

This helps sauce cling perfectly to noodles.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a twist of black pepper before serving hot.

Smart Tips for This Pasta Dish

• Keep the heat medium-low and stir frequently to achieve a golden, fragrant garlic base without bitter, burnt edges.
• Cook cherry tomatoes slowly to create a thick, jammy consistency that intensifies their natural sweetness and provides a rich sauce foundation.
• Mix flour with water separately before adding to the sauce to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
• Gently toss rigatoni in the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly and generously coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Allow the pasta to rest, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat to help the sauce cling perfectly and enhance overall dish cohesion.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Tomato Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until heated evenly, maintaining sauce's creamy texture.

Sides That Go Well with Tomato Garlic Pasta

• Pair Tangy Marinara with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy tomato sauce, balancing its richness with bright, citrusy notes that refresh the palate.
• Create Herbal Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with rosemary and thyme to complement the pasta's garlicky undertones and provide a crunchy texture contrast.
• Match Protein-Packed Side: Grilled chicken breast seasoned with Italian herbs adds lean protein and enhances the dish's Mediterranean flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate sauce.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Accent: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a peppery, tangy element that cleanses the palate between creamy pasta bites.

Easy And Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Italian-inspired tomato garlic pasta delights palates with its simple yet robust flavor profile. Silky sauce and perfectly al dente noodles promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz (226 g) rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning and Spices:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by finely chopping garlic and slicing cherry tomatoes in half, creating a mise en place for seamless cooking execution.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-low temperature, introducing minced garlic with a delicate salt sprinkle. Gently stir to achieve a golden, aromatic result without scorching, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes with additional salt, allowing them to simmer and transform into a rich, concentrated compote. Occasionally stir while they soften and release intense flavors, roughly 10-15 minutes.
4. Incorporate chili flakes and tomato paste, stirring to develop deep, complex flavors. Pour cream and whisk thoroughly, creating a velvety texture. Integrate flour slurry to enhance sauce consistency, simmering for 5-10 minutes.
5. Elevate the sauce with parsley, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating.
6. Allow pasta to rest, covered, for 5 minutes off direct heat, enabling sauce absorption. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, additional parsley, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper before presenting.

Notes

• Mince garlic finely and use medium-low heat to prevent burning, releasing its sweet, mellow flavor without bitterness.
• Allow cherry tomatoes to slowly break down, creating a rich, jammy base that intensifies the sauce’s natural sweetness.
• Whisk flour with water before adding to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Swap cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains luxurious texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg