Luscious Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy tomato rigatoni that bursts with rich, comforting flavors.

Bold Italian ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Tender rigatoni noodles capture every drop of the velvety sauce, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of tangy tomatoes and smooth, luxurious cream.

The simple yet elegant dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate this classic comfort food to something truly spectacular.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal due to its large, ridged tubes that hold sauce exceptionally well, creating a delicious coating in every bite.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit any meat and the dish remains a flavorful vegetarian pasta with rich tomato cream sauce.

• How spicy is this pasta with red pepper flakes?

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

• Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?

Heavy cream creates the signature creamy texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce might be less rich.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Appeal

• Whip Up Comfort Food: Dive into a creamy, hearty pasta dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfies serious comfort food cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt this versatile recipe by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, throwing in extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Impress both kids and adults with a rich, flavorful pasta that combines classic Italian-inspired ingredients everyone loves.

What’s in Tomato Rigatoni Pasta?

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The rich, tangy base that provides depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth texture for the pasta sauce.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide a fragrant and flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Dried Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that add authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste with a balance of heat and seasoning.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté aromatics and create a smooth cooking base.

Cooking Creamy Tomato Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in rigatoni and cook until al dente, typically following package guidance.

Once tender, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, allowing it to rest briefly.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped garlic and diced onions, stirring constantly until they become translucent and release a fragrant aroma, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Tomato Base

• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, allowing flavors to meld together for approximately 10 minutes.

The sauce will thicken and develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 4: Whisk in Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Grated parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy, with no visible cheese lumps.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Fold the cooked rigatoni into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated.

Toss gently to distribute the sauce evenly.

Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with additional parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Choose high-quality rigatoni with ridges to help sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Add heavy cream gradually and stir constantly to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, smooth sauce texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – start with a pinch and increase for more kick.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts more evenly and provides richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add brightness and aromatic freshness to the dish.

Tomato Rigatoni Recipe Variations

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, extra red pepper flakes, and crumbled feta cheese for a bolder Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the creamy tomato sauce essence.

Serving Up Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the creamy tomato sauce.
• Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform the pasta into a heartier dish.

Rigatoni Pasta Storage Instructions

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent creamy tomato rigatoni pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending rich flavors with silky sauce. Pasta lovers will savor each bite of this hearty, classic dish that promises a delightful culinary journey through Mediterranean traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

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

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, releasing aromatic notes from minced garlic and diced onion until translucent.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, blending dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich flavors.
4. Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a velvety consistency. Gradually fold in grated parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and uniform.
5. Introduce cooked rigatoni to the creamy tomato sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh basil leaves before serving hot, allowing the aromatic herbs to enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive palates.
• Replace heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for vegan version.
• Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to sauce to enhance their aromatic flavors and depth.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for richer, more complex cheese flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg