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Vibrant Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Vibrant Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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