Easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (Ready-to-Print Version)

Silky sauce coats rigatoni with tomato, garlic, herbs, and a hint of wine for a comforting pasta meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Primary Ingredients

01 - 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1/3 cup dry white wine
05 - 1 teaspoon white sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 10 ounces rigatoni pasta

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving

→ Optional Garnishes

16 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
17 - Extra chopped parsley

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Finely chop the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley and grate the Parmesan if using.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until golden and aromatic.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and another pinch of salt. Sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
05 - Pour in dry white wine, increase heat to medium-high, and allow it to simmer and reduce for 5 minutes. Stir in chili flakes and tomato paste, mixing well.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and combine well. In a small bowl, whisk flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth slurry, then gently stir it into the pan. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
07 - Add fresh parsley, smoked paprika powder, garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency. Ensure the pasta is well coated.
08 - Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb flavor. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
09 - Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan, additional parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Add the flour slurry gradually to avoid lumps for a smooth and creamy sauce.
02 - Cook pasta just until al dente so it finishes perfectly in the sauce.
03 - Using fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and garlic yields the richest flavor.
04 - Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess.

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