Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and a comforting texture. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual meal with friends.
This recipe is simple, quick, and sure to impress anyone at your table. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh tomatoes and garlic, giving you a delicious meal that feels special.
How To Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 1 tsp White Sugar
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (or plant-based milk)
- 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)
Directions:
Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste, mixing everything together.
Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce to thicken it. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season & Combine: Stir in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni, making sure it stays al dente.
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.
Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!
Prep Time And Nutrition Facts
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, with approximately 10 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat.
How To Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Serve this dish warm on a nice plate. You can sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How To Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk if the sauce is too thick.
Tips To Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the rigatoni; it should be slightly firm.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili flakes to your taste.
- If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes instead.
Health And Benefits Of This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta offers some great health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C and potassium. Garlic has strong properties that can support your immune system. The heavy cream provides a good amount of protein, making this dish filling and satisfying. You can also use plant-based milk for a lighter option if you prefer.
Variation
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. You can also swap the rigatoni for another type of pasta, like penne or spaghetti.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can use plant-based milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use vegetable broth or just add more tomatoes.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
Not really, but you can adjust the amount of chili flakes to make it more or less spicy based on your preference.
