Irresistible Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable creamy tomato rigatoni pasta promises pure culinary magic for weeknight dinner enthusiasts.

Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet elegant dish.

Robust flavors dance through each perfectly cooked pasta tube, promising a memorable meal.

Nonna’s traditional techniques blend seamlessly with modern cooking shortcuts.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Robust tomatoes and silky cream create a luxurious sauce that hugs every rigatoni curve.

Come join an unforgettable pasta adventure that will make you the kitchen hero.

What Makes Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Special

• Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming pasta dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by playing with red pepper flakes or swap ingredients to match your pantry, making this recipe super flexible for busy cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, creamy pasta that satisfies all taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a gourmet-style meal in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

What’s in Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Rigatoni Pasta: A large, tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds the creamy tomato sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The rich and tangy base that provides a deep tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooths out the tomato sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide layers of herbal and spicy notes that balance the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that complements the rich sauce.

Steps to Make Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a pot of salted water following package directions.

Carefully scoop out some pasta water before draining.

Set cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chopped onions until they become translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Tomato Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and develop.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream

Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream.

Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and smooth.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked rigatoni into the creamy tomato sauce.

Ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove skillet from heat.

Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious creamy tomato rigatoni.

Tips for Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Done Right

• Save 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly to rigatoni and adjust sauce thickness smoothly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – less for mild, more for a fiery kick that adds exciting depth.
• Use full-fat heavy cream for richest texture, or substitute half-and-half for lighter version without losing creamy richness.
• Chop fresh basil right before serving to maximize bright, aromatic flavor and add vibrant green color to the dish.
• Replace Parmesan with pecorino romano for sharper taste or use nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternative.

Swaps and Styles for Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Use roasted red peppers for added depth and plant-based protein.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, use chipotle pepper instead of red pepper flakes, and mix in black beans for a hearty Mexican-inspired version.
• Light Mediterranean Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean profile.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy tomato rigatoni with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a cozy Italian gathering.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Portion smaller servings in individual ramekins, top with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, perfect for elegant dinner parties or starter courses.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which balances the tomato's acidity and sauce's creaminess.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Garnish with additional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or oregano, adding bright flavor and beautiful color to the dish right before serving.

Saving Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta the Right Way

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of water or extra cream, heat on medium-low, stirring gently to restore creamy texture and prevent sticking. Warm for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this tomato pasta creamy?

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the rich, smooth texture. These two dairy products blend perfectly to create a luxurious sauce that coats the rigatoni pasta.

• Is this pasta dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can control the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount. It provides a gentle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Rigatoni works best because its tube-like shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can substitute with penne or ziti if needed. The key is choosing a pasta with ridges that can catch the sauce.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty rigatoni rigate weave through a luscious tomato cream sauce, creating a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Rich parmesan and fresh basil elevate this simple yet elegant pasta dish that you will savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water at a rolling boil until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature. Gently sauté diced onions until translucent and softened.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Allow mixture to gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
5. Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce. Maintain gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Introduce cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating of each pasta ridge.
8. Remove skillet from heat, garnish with fragrant fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for personal spice tolerance.
• Create dairy-free version using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Boost protein by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like white beans or tofu.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating extra vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers during sauce simmering stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 417 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg