There’s something about a big bowl of pasta that’s just pure comfort, and this creamy tomato rigatoni is no exception. With perfectly cooked rigatoni noodles, a rich tomato sauce, and a splash of cream, this rigatoni pasta recipe hits all the right notes. It’s quick enough to make during the week and tasty enough to serve to guests. Are you ready to start dinner? Here is a recipe for rigatoni that will make your kitchen feel like it’s in Italy.

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this tasty rigatoni recipe:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

These ingredients come together to make a luscious rigatoni tomato sauce with a creamy finish. 

Instructions

Preparation

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set it aside, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water just in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so everything’s ready to go.

Cooking

1. Start the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for around 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend nicely.
3. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce turns a lovely pink color. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, giving it that rich, creamy texture.
4. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly with sauce. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving

Serve up the creamy tomato rigatoni hot, topped with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. This pasta rigatoni pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
• Vegetarian Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and veggies.
• Kick Up the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream and use vegan Parmesan.

Conclusion

All you need are a few simple ingredients to whip up this comforting and flavorful rigatoni pasta dish. With every bite, you’ll feel warm and satisfied from the creamy tomato rigatoni sauce that envelops the rigatoni noodles. If you’re seeking an impressive rigatoni recipe, whether it’s for a fast weeknight meal or to serve to guests, this is it. Try it out for yourself and savor a delicious homemade pasta dish that you’re sure to love!