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Easy Creamy Tomato Rigatoni

Easy Creamy Tomato Rigatoni
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Easy Creamy Tomato Rigatoni is a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring ridged rigatoni coated in a rich tomato sauce blended with velvety heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances tangy and smooth flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or casual gatherings. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal finish, and the dish is versatile enough to allow for a variety of customizations including vegetarian, spicy, or protein-enriched versions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rigatoni pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let the mixture simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a luscious, smooth sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and toss in freshly chopped basil for a fragrant, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.

Notes

  • Save some starchy pasta water before draining to thin the sauce perfectly if needed.
  • Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for deeper flavor.
  • Cook pasta until just al dente to maintain ideal texture.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor.
  • Adjust the creaminess by gradually adding cream until desired consistency is achieved.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato rigatoni, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/easy-creamy-tomato-rigatoni/