Irresistible Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delectable creamy tomato rigatoni pasta promises a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds.

pasta enthusiasts understand the magic of combining rich, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked noodles.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this comforting dish that blends tangy tomatoes with smooth, luxurious cream.

Simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with a few straightforward techniques.

Robust flavors and textures dance on your palate, making each bite a celebration of classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Dive into this irresistible plate and let the symphony of tastes transport you to a cozy trattoria.

What Makes Creamy Tomato Rigatoni So Good

• Create Comfort Instantly: This pound cake delivers pure nostalgia with its rich, buttery texture that reminds you of grandma's classic home baking.
• Master Baking Skills Easily: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers, the recipe requires simple techniques like creaming butter and alternating ingredients, making it an excellent learning opportunity.
• Versatile Dessert Superstar: Serve this cake at family gatherings, potlucks, or enjoy a slice with afternoon tea – its adaptable nature means it fits countless occasions and mood settings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: The combination of almond and vanilla extracts creates an irresistible aroma and flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces.

What Goes in Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

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

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy foundation for the pasta sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful aromatic base that adds depth to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smoothness to the tomato sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic blend of herbs for authentic Italian flavor.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle, warm heat to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh finish to the creamy pasta.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for cooking the base and balancing the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water following package directions. Once al dente, drain pasta and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bloom Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create Tomato Base

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

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

Step 5: Transform Into Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every pasta tube is evenly coated with the rich tomato cream sauce.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the pasta. Serve immediately while hot, offering an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Helpful Notes for Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to prevent sticking, ensuring each piece stays separate and saucy.
• Chop onions finely for a smoother sauce texture and more even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent sauce from breaking and maintain a silky, consistent consistency.
• Select San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic and rich crushed tomato flavor if possible.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired heat level.

Flavor Styles for Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Rigatoni: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar, add chopped kalamata olives, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetable Loaded Rigatoni: Mix in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for extra nutrition and color. Top with fresh mozzarella before serving.
• Protein-Packed Rigatoni: Incorporate cooked ground chicken or turkey directly into the sauce. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Herb Garden Rigatoni: Swap basil with fresh chopped oregano and thyme. Include roasted cherry tomatoes and a dollop of ricotta cheese for creaminess.

Best Way to Present Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Serve this creamy tomato rigatoni in large ceramic bowls for a comforting family-style meal.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the dining experience.
• Plate the pasta on white dishes with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
• Offer alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to elevate the dining atmosphere.
• Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy work or school lunches.
• The creamy sauce keeps well and reheats perfectly in a microwave within 2-3 minutes.
• Transform the pasta into bite-sized appetizers by using mini rigatoni or cutting regular pasta into smaller pieces.

How to Store Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Allow the pasta to cool completely to room temperature before placing in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and keeps the sauce's texture intact.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta and ensure even heating.
• Freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain the best taste and texture.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce creamy?

The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese blend together to create a rich, smooth sauce that coats the rigatoni perfectly.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, adjust the red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat level according to your spice preference.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This creamy tomato rigatoni is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish that doesn’t include any meat.

• How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it’s slightly thickened and has a smooth, creamy consistency after adding the cream and Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Rigatoni pasta with a creamy tomato sauce delights dinner guests with rich Italian flavors. Home cooks can quickly prepare this comforting meal that blends robust ingredients into a satisfying culinary experience you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook rigatoni until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Allow aromatics to release fragrant notes for 30 seconds.
4. Gently pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and let sauce simmer, developing rich flavors for 10 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually fold in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Carefully fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated with the luxurious mixture.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with freshly torn basil leaves, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, velvety texture.
• Control spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild heat or increase for fiery kick.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create silkier sauce if mixture becomes too thick during cooking.
• Choose whole wheat rigatoni for added fiber and nutty undertone, boosting nutritional value without compromising flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg