Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Do you love comfort foods? This creamy tomato garlic pasta is for you. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s simple to make and packed with vegetables for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal the whole family will enjoy.

If you enjoy rich, creamy pasta dishes, try my other favorites like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Linguine, and a decadently creamy Carbonara.

What You’ll Need to make this Tomato Garlic Pasta

Garlic cloves
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Dry white wine
White sugar
Tomato paste
Heavy cream
Flour
Chopped parsley
Rigatoni pasta
Spices: chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Parmesan (optional)

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions for Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Sauté veggies & add white wine.

Add the heavy cream & simmer.

Mix in the cooked pasta.

Serve & enjoy!

Prep the ingredients: Mince the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes and another pinch of salt. Sauté 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine and simmer about 5 minutes. Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste until combined.
Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Whisk flour with a little water to make a slurry, then gradually whisk it into the sauce. Simmer 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Season & combine: Stir in chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add the cooked rigatoni, making sure the pasta is al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the sauce.
Finish cooking: Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, extra parsley, and a crack of black pepper.

Scroll down to the recipe card for ingredient amounts and timing.

Substitutions

Garlic: Use shallots or onions if preferred.
Cherry tomatoes: Substitute chopped regular tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or canned diced tomatoes.
Olive oil: Avocado or vegetable oil work in a pinch.
Dry white wine: Replace with chicken or vegetable broth, or white grape juice with a splash of vinegar.
White sugar: Use brown sugar or maple syrup.
Chili flakes: Try cayenne, hot sauce, or fresh chilies.
Tomato paste: Substitute crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a prepared creamy sauce if needed.
Flour: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can thicken the sauce (use a slurry).
Parsley: Swap with basil, cilantro, or spinach.
Rigatoni: Penne, fusilli, or another short pasta will work.
Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika, chipotle, or chili powder.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Equipment

Knife
Cutting board
Large pan
Large pot for boiling pasta

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate when thawed.

3 Top Tips for Success

Cook pasta al dente: Undercook slightly so it stays firm when finished in the sauce.
Thicken the sauce gradually: Add the flour slurry slowly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and parsley boost flavor and brightness.

FAQ’s

How do you balance the taste of tomatoes in pasta?

Balance acidity and sweetness with a pinch of sugar and a splash of cream or oil; finish with herbs and a touch of salt to round the flavors.

Is it better to put raw or cooked garlic in pasta?

Cooked garlic is preferred because it mellows and adds a sweeter, richer depth to the dish.

How do you thicken creamy tomato pasta sauce?

Make a slurry from flour or cornstarch and water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Alternatively, simmer the sauce longer to reduce and concentrate it.

Looking for other pasta recipes? Try these:

Easy Spicy Carbonara Ramen (10-Minute Recipe)
The Best Street Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken
Creamy White Bolognese Sauce Recipe (with Rigatoni)
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ramen (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)

Pairing

These dessert recipes pair well with this creamy pasta:

Fudgy Reese’s Cup Brownies
Salted Brown Butter Maple Syrup
No-Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
How to Make the Viral Dot Cakes