Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta. The velvety sauce, rich with tomato and cream, clings to each piece of pasta, delivering a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making it a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty yet simple. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little creativity, I ended up with a meal that my family couldn’t get enough of. Now, it’s become a household favorite, requested time and time again.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish. Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is a delicious blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures that make it a must-try recipe.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and one pan, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick and delicious.

It’s also budget-friendly. This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients like canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and pasta—things you probably already have in your pantry. No need for expensive or hard-to-find items.

Plus, it’s customizable. You can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, mix in extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile recipe you’ll never get bored of.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a rich, comforting dish.

Rigatoni pasta is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its ridged surface and tube-like shape help hold onto the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have rigatoni, penne or ziti can also work well.

Canned crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce. They provide a deep, rich tomato flavor that’s enhanced with the right seasonings. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best taste, as some cheaper options can be too acidic.

Heavy cream is what gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a level of indulgence that makes this dish so satisfying. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.

Garlic and onion are essential for building flavor. The combination of sautéed onions and minced garlic creates a fragrant, savory base that enhances the sauce’s richness.

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end ties everything together. It adds a salty, umami depth that takes the sauce to the next level. Freshly grated Parmesan works best, as pre-packaged versions often lack the same bold flavor.

How To Make This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Creating this delicious pasta dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to make a meal your whole family will love.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s ready, cook your rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the acidity to mellow.

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a beautiful, creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness.

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! This pasta stores well and tastes just as good the next day.

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can easily loosen it up with a splash of milk or water when reheating.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra liquid to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences.

Want to add protein? Try stirring in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for an extra boost of flavor and heartiness.

Looking to make it vegetarian-friendly? Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.

Prefer a spicier kick? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Need a dairy-free option? Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based alternative.

With so many ways to tweak this dish, you’ll never run out of delicious variations to try. So go ahead—get creative and make it your own!

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