Description
This creamy tomato garlic pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring sweet tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a velvety sauce. It comes together quickly for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
8 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups heavy cream or alternative milk (1:1 swap)
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup chopped parsley
8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, sautéing until golden and fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and a bit more salt. Cook for 10–15 minutes until softened and juicy.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Add heavy cream and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour with a little water to form a slurry, then slowly stir into the sauce.
- Cook for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked rigatoni and toss to coat evenly.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and cover for another 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Include spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
Use milk or plant-based cream for a lighter version.
Adjust chili flakes or add hot sauce for more heat.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Add a splash of milk or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Mix Parmesan into the sauce for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
