Try Our Bold Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe Tonight

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

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that whispers Italian charm.

Robust tomatoes blend seamlessly with silky cream, creating a sauce that hugs each rigatoni curve.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Fragrant herbs and a touch of parmesan elevate the entire experience beyond ordinary pasta preparations.

Unexpected textures and rich flavors will make you the kitchen hero everyone celebrates.

Grab a fork and prepare to be transported to a cozy trattoria with just one bite.

Best Practices for Storing Pasta Dishes

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the creamy tomato sauce and rigatoni intact.
• Store in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate fresh basil garnish and store it in a small sealed container to keep its vibrant flavor and prevent wilting.
• Avoid freezing this creamy pasta dish as dairy-based sauces can separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

• How spicy is this pasta recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. You can adjust the amount to increase or decrease heat according to your preference.

• What type of tomatoes work best for this sauce?

Crushed canned tomatoes are ideal, but you can also use fresh ripe tomatoes that are pureed or crushed for a homemade sauce base.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy tomato rigatoni can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta You’ll Love

• Craft with Ease: Minimal cooking skills needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners and home cooks seeking a delicious yet simple meal.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.
• Quick Comfort Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta provides a speedy and satisfying dinner option for busy households or last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works great for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.

What Goes Into This Rich and Comforting Dish

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of the rich and flavorful sauce with a vibrant tomato base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooths out the tomato sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Creates a fragrant base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide a classic aromatic foundation that builds depth in the sauce.
• Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add complexity, warmth, and balanced seasoning to the dish.

• Fresh Basil: A bright, herbal finishing touch that adds fresh flavor and visual appeal.

How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Rigatoni with Ease

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Tomato Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Enrich with Cream

Gently stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.

Whisk the sauce until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating a velvety texture that clings to the pasta.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each pasta tube is generously coated with the creamy tomato sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the pasta. Transfer to serving plates and enjoy the warm, comforting dish immediately.

Insider Tips for a Silky Sauce

• Choose short rigatoni tubes with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more flavor layers.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference; start with a pinch for mild heat or increase for extra kick.
• Use high-quality parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic taste and better melting consistency.
• Select ripe, sweet crushed tomatoes to enhance overall sauce depth and natural sweetness.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free option.

Flavor Boosts to Customize Your Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein crumbles to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, lentil, or rice flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste to give the dish a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for a Perfect Dinner

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this pasta on a large wooden board with crusty bread and olive oil dipping sauce for a family-style dining experience.
• Gourmet Brunch Twist: Top the rigatoni with a soft-poached egg and extra parmesan for a decadent weekend breakfast or brunch option.
• Fresh Herb Garden Plate: Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like thyme and parsley alongside chopped green onions for added color and vibrant flavor profile.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Add grilled chicken or crispy pancetta to transform the dish into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

Vibrant Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering creamy tomato rigatoni pasta delivers rich Italian comfort on a plate. Parmesan and fresh basil enhance each carefully twirled bite you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil; drain thoroughly in a colander.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a shimmering surface.
3. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
4. Introduce crushed tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper for depth.
5. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavors and slightly thickening.
6. Reduce heat and slowly blend heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a velvety, smooth consistency.
7. Fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is lavishly coated with the vibrant mixture.
8. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves for a burst of herbal brightness.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and luxurious pasta experience.

Notes

• Choose high-quality rigatoni with ridged surfaces to help sauce cling better and create more flavor absorption.
• Add heavy cream gradually and stir continuously to prevent sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a pinch and increasing if desired.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg