Hearty Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

The Best Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Whipping up a delightful creamy tomato rigatoni pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

pasta lovers adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that combines rich, velvety textures with vibrant flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through each perfectly cooked rigatoni tube, capturing the essence of comfort food.

Classic ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that feels both familiar and exciting.

Robust tomatoes meld seamlessly with smooth cream, coating each pasta piece in a luxurious embrace.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a final burst of aromatic freshness that makes you want to savor every single bite.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible recipe that promises to become a new dinner favorite.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta That Comforts the Soul

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta That Comforts the Soul
  • Savor Quick Comfort
  • Master Simple Cooking: No fancy chef skills needed here! This recipe welcomes home cooks of all levels, offering a foolproof method to create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy tomato sauce with a gentle kick of red pepper flakes transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add protein – this versatile pasta dish adapts to your mood and pantry, making it a go-to recipe for spontaneous meal planning.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy and Tangy Tomato Rigatoni

Pasta Base:
  • Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Crushed Tomatoes: The rich, tangy foundation of the creamy tomato sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and creates a velvety texture.
  • Butter: Enhances richness and provides a silky finish to the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory flavor base for the sauce.
  • Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Create a balanced and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Add a salty, fresh, and aromatic final touch to the dish.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a subtle fruity flavor.

Detailed Instructions to Make Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Detailed Instructions to Make Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water following the package directions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Gently cook the onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet flavor.

Add minced garlic and quickly stir for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Create Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in:
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

Reduce the heat and gently stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious texture that will coat the pasta perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the sauce.

Toss and coat each pasta tube thoroughly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Fold in:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Stir until the cheese melts and the basil releases its aromatic oils.

Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and basil on top if desired.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creaminess in Rigatoni Pasta

  • Choose short rigatoni pasta with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more flavorful bites.
  • Sauté onions slowly to develop deeper, sweeter caramelized flavor without burning.
  • Use room temperature cream and butter to prevent sauce from separating and ensure smooth, velvety texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes gradually and taste to control spice level for different heat preferences.
  • Remove sauce from high heat before adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain silky consistency.

Flavorful Ways to Customize Your Tomato Rigatoni Sauce

  • Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap butter with olive oil for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni or zucchini noodles as a pasta alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Spicy Arrabiata Style: Increase red pepper flakes and add chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for extra heat and protein. Include smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Light Mediterranean Version: Substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a tangy Mediterranean profile.

Serving Suggestions to Make Rigatoni Pasta a Crowd Pleaser

  • Rustic Italian Family Feast: Serve this creamy tomato rigatoni as a centerpiece for a cozy family dinner, where everyone gathers around and shares stories while enjoying hearty portions.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Starter: Present the pasta in individual white ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil, creating an elegant first course that impresses guests with its rich, vibrant colors.
  • Picnic Perfect Pasta: Pack the dish in a sealed container for an outdoor lunch, pairing it with a crisp white wine and some crusty bread to transform a simple meal into a delightful al fresco experience.
  • Quick Weeknight Comfort: Reheat leftovers quickly and top with extra Parmesan for a speedy, satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort after a long day at work.

How to Store Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta for Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftover creamy tomato rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to the container to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Cover the pasta with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal due to its tube-like shape that catches the creamy tomato sauce perfectly, but penne or ziti can also work well as alternatives.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese alternative, and the recipe remains delicious.

  • How spicy is this pasta with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that provides a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

  • Is this recipe considered a budget-friendly meal?

Absolutely! It uses common pantry ingredients like canned tomatoes, pasta, and basic seasonings, making it an affordable and satisfying meal for families.

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Hearty Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Hearty Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sumptuous creamy tomato rigatoni pasta delivers Italian comfort with rich, silky sauce and hearty pasta. Parmesan cheese and fresh basil elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil rigatoni in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions until translucent and softened.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
  4. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, sprinkle oregano, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gently blend heavy cream and butter into the tomato mixture, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.
  6. Carefully fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
  7. Finish the dish by folding in grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil, which will add depth and brightness to the final preparation.
  8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan and basil leaves for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Perfectly time pasta cooking to maintain al dente texture, avoiding mushy consistency.
  • Choose high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild to fiery kick.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 342 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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