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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature. Gently sauté diced onions until translucent and softened.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- 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.
- Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce. Maintain gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Introduce cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating of each pasta ridge.
- 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