What’s That Smell?

Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the rich aroma of garlic and tomatoes, mingling together in a beautiful dance of flavor. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta. This dish isn’t just any pasta; it’s a one-pan wonder that takes comfort food to the next level! With its silky sauce and punchy garlic, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy lives.

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s be real: who doesn’t love a dinner that’s easy to clean up? With just one pan to wash, you’ll have more time to kick back and relax. Here are a few reasons why you should totally try this recipe:

Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pasta, and this creamy twist will have the kids asking for seconds!
Affordable Ingredients: You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those ‘what’s for dinner?’ moments when you don’t feel like thinking too hard.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to whip up this delicious rigatoni:

Prep the Goods: Mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley and measure out all other ingredients.
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. Cook for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with an additional ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the Wine: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Bring on the Cream: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir. Whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce.
Season It Up: Mix in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta.
Simmer: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
Serve: Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra chopped parsley.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta (Overview)

Now that you’ve got your ingredients and cooking steps, let’s break it down a bit! Start by prepping your garlic and tomatoes — this aroma is going to be fantastic. Don’t rush the garlic; letting it cook until golden gives it a delightful flavor that’s irreplaceable. Once that’s done, let the tomatoes do their thing until they burst and mingle with the wine — life’s too short to skip these happy little moments!

Pro Tip: Always taste along the way! Adjust the seasonings as you go so you’ll end up with the perfect sauce just for you.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta

Picture this: a lovely bowl of creamy rigatoni, warm and inviting, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve it with crusty garlic bread on the side for that extra crunch and flavor. Pair it with a bright, crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s not just comforting but also visually stunning. That vibrant red of the tomatoes against the creamy backdrop is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! 😍

How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta

Got leftovers?Lucky you! This pasta will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just pop it into an airtight container. Feel free to reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it thickens up too much. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to keep it in a freezer-safe container!

Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta

Here are some quick insider tricks to elevate your pasta game:

Don’t Skip the Salt: Seasoning at every step builds layers of flavor.
Choose Your Wine Wisely: Opt for a dry white wine you’d enjoy drinking — it makes a big difference!
Creamy Consistency: If you like a lighter sauce, feel free to substitute half-and-half for a delightful twist!

Variation

Want to shake things up? Try adding some protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs beautifully with this dish. For a vegan option, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegetable broth instead of wine. Or, pack in some veggies by tossing in spinach or zucchini — yum!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine them just before serving.

What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes?
Canned diced tomatoes work in a pinch, but fresh tomatoes add a lovely brightness.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and enjoy it later!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!