Description
A rich and creamy tomato garlic pasta that combines sautéed garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with white wine and spices. This comforting rigatoni dish is finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan, perfect for a satisfying dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 8 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (or alternate milk 1:1 swap)
Pantry
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 2 tbsp Water (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp White Sugar
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Pasta
- 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta (cooked al dente)
Optional
- Freshly Grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to get them ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, sautéing until it turns golden and releases a fragrant aroma, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pan. Cook them for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften completely and release their natural juices.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, blending the flavors evenly.
- Add the Cream: Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the pan and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then slowly add this to the sauce to thicken it, cooking for another 5-10 minutes with occasional stirring.
- Season & Combine: Add 1/2 cup of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked rigatoni, making sure it remains firm (al dente) so it doesn't overcook in the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Allow the pasta to simmer gently within the sauce for 5 additional minutes, then remove from heat. Cover with a lid and let it rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta!
Notes
- Using alternate milk instead of heavy cream will reduce the richness but still create a creamy sauce.
- Cook rigatoni just until al dente before adding to the sauce to prevent mushiness.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian