Craving something cozy, creamy, and utterly comforting for dinner tonight? This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta might be just what your weeknight needs. With its velvety sauce, roasted tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, every bite wraps you in a warm, savory hug.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It transforms humble pantry staples into a rich and flavorful experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this pasta comes together quickly and delivers both elegance and ease.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, you don’t need a chef’s kitchen, but the right tools will elevate the process and end result:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta evenly and giving it enough room to move around.
Sauté Pan or Skillet: For building the creamy tomato garlic sauce to perfection.
High-Speed Blender (or Immersion Blender): Essential for achieving that silky-smooth texture in the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps stir without damaging your non-stick surfaces.
Fine Grater: Perfect for fresh Parmesan or grating garlic for deeper infusion.

Having these on hand ensures each component is cooked just right and blended for a luscious finish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Each ingredient in this pasta plays a specific role, creating layers of flavor and texture:

Rigatoni or Penne Pasta – These sturdy pasta shapes hold the sauce beautifully and offer a satisfying bite.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and tomatoes to bring out their depth.
Garlic Cloves – The backbone of the flavor. When gently cooked, garlic offers a sweet, nutty essence.
Cherry Tomatoes – Roasted to intensify their natural sweetness and add depth to the sauce.
Tomato Paste – Provides umami and a concentrated tomato flavor that anchors the sauce.
Heavy Cream – Gives the dish its luscious, creamy consistency.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and a melty, cheesy layer.
Fresh Basil or Parsley – Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every other flavor.

How To Make the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.

Step 2: Roast and Sauté

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add whole cherry tomatoes and let them blister and soften. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly. This deepens the tomato flavor. Then add in heavy cream and stir until combined.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the skillet) and blend until smooth. Return to the pan and reheat gently.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan, chopped herbs, and cracked black pepper.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is warm and velvety. A dollop of ricotta or burrata on top takes it up a notch, and a final sprinkle of herbs adds a fresh finish. Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a satisfying meal.

Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce while warming gently on the stove or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

Yes, canned whole tomatoes work well. Just make sure to drain excess liquid before sautéing, and simmer them a bit longer to concentrate the flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. You can use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great swap for Parmesan.

What protein can I add to this pasta?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu make excellent additions. Add them in at the end while tossing the pasta with the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, boil fresh pasta and combine with the warmed sauce.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short, ridged pasta like rigatoni, penne, or rotini hold onto the sauce better than smoother noodles like spaghetti.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a hearty meat-and-carb combo perfect for weeknights. Or explore the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you’re after bold flavors and a spicy kick.

If you love baking your pasta dishes, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti gives you that bubbly, golden cheese finish.

Feeling indulgent? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna adds a zesty twist to a comforting classic. And for a fun pasta alternative, try the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, packed with savory depth.