Description
This creamy tomato garlic pasta offers a luscious and comforting dish that blends sautéed garlic and juicy cherry tomatoes into a rich, velvety sauce enhanced with cream, herbs, and spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe perfectly balances bold flavors and smooth textures, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups heavy cream (or alternative 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 & pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to prepare for cooking.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and sauté until the garlic turns golden and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pan. Sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juicy flavors.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Add the Cream: Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the sauce and stir gently. In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly incorporate the slurry into the sauce, stirring continuously to thicken it, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Season & Combine: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta, mixing well to coat while keeping the pasta al dente.
- Finish Cooking: Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes for flavor melding. Then remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting dish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente before adding to the sauce to avoid overcooking during simmering.
- Adjust chili flakes according to preferred spice levels.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced or complemented with basil for a different herbaceous note.
- Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish but can be omitted for a vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
