A Creamy Dream with Every Bite

Have you ever encountered a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night? Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta does exactly that! This one-pan wonder combines ripe cherry tomatoes and garlic to create a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to al dente rigatoni. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why Make This Recipe

Here’s the scoop on why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

Easy Cleanup: Who wants to spend hours washing dishes? This recipe is a one-pan masterpiece, which means less scrubbing and more yumminess!
Family-Friendly Fun: Perfect for picky eaters or anyone who loves a creamy, dreamlike sauce. It’s hard to resist, so expect no leftovers!
Quick and Affordable: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes with ingredients that won’t break the bank. Seriously, your wallet will thank you.

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 with these easy steps!

Prep Time: Mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the parsley. Measure out all your ingredients for smooth sailing!
Sizzle Time: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking until it’s golden and fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!
Tomato Party: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and a bit of salt, sautéing until they soften and start to burst open.
Wine Down: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This enhances all those flavors!
Spicy Kick: Stir in the chili flakes and tomato paste, and let the mixture get cozy together.
Creamy Goodness: Pour in the heavy cream. Then, mix in a slurry of flour and water. Cook until it thickens up—just like your favorite pasta sauce should be!
Flavor Town: Stir in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Pasta Connect: Toss in the cooked rigatoni, making sure it gets well-coated in that delicious sauce.
Rest a Minute: Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then take it off the heat and allow it to sit for another 5 minutes—it’ll get even creamier!
Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for that final touch.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta (Overview)

This recipe is straightforward and totally fun to make! Start with some garlic and tomatoes, add wine to build a silky base, and mix in that luscious cream. Pro tip: Don’t rush the garlic! Toasting it just right truly elevates the dish. By the end, you’ll have a pasta dish that satisfies your cravings and impresses anyone lucky enough to join you.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta

Serve your Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous helping of Parmesan to make it extra fancy. Pair it with a crisp green salad for some crunch and maybe some garlic bread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce! The vibrant colors and aroma will certainly steal the show.

How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta

Once you’ve enjoyed your pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for about 2 months! To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan with a splash of cream or milk to soften the sauce. Easy peasy!

Tips to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Rigatoni Pasta

Timing is Everything: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream—but don’t tell anyone I said that! 😉
Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie boost.

Variation

Want to change things up? Make this dish vegan by swapping the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. You can also add spices like basil or oregano to give it a Mediterranean twist. Get creative!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well here.
How can I make this sauce thicker? If you desire a thicker sauce, add more flour to your slurry or let it simmer longer for a concentrated flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!