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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 rigatoni coated in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it balances smooth, tangy, and savory flavors that make it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. This adaptable recipe offers hearty comfort with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent to build the sauce’s flavor base.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in crushed tomatoes with the aromatics. Let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken and deepen flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower heat and slowly mix in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy sauce.
  5. Combine Rigatoni and Sauce: Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little to loosen it without losing creaminess.
  6. Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish that elevates the dish.

Notes

  • Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for a fresher, more vibrant sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture helps the pasta hold sauce better.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the rigatoni.
  • Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato rigatoni, easy pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner, comfort food, tomato cream sauce, Italian pasta dish

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