Description
Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a cozy, comforting dish that transforms basic pantry ingredients into a velvety, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to rigatoni or penne. With roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a splash of cream, this pasta is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and entertaining. Add fresh herbs and grated Parmesan for the ultimate finish.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté until blistered and softened, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance its richness.
5. Pour in heavy cream and mix until the sauce is well combined.
6. Transfer the sauce mixture to a high-speed blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
7. Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Season with salt, black pepper, and top with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest sauce; an immersion blender works but may leave small tomato skins.
You can substitute rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or rotini for similar sauce cling.
For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg