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Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is a rich and comforting dish combining tender rigatoni pasta with a luscious sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and tomato marinara. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, it’s an easy-to-make meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, delivering classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 500 grams dry rigatoni pasta (about 1 lb)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • ½ small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh garlic (3-4 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅛-¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon for some heat, ⅛ for mild)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups heavy cream (or substitute half and half)
  • 1½ cups tomato pasta sauce (marinara or other)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add rigatoni, reduce heat to medium, and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  2. Prepare the Base: While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened and just beginning to brown.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
  4. Create Roux: Stir in all-purpose flour until no white flour remains, forming a roux to thicken the sauce.
  5. Add Cream and Tomato Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and tomato pasta sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce is slightly thickened.
  6. Drain Pasta: When pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rigatoni.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time (starting with ¼ cup) as needed to bring the sauce together and achieve desired consistency.
  8. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stir gently to combine, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce if preferred.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
  • Reserving pasta water is key to bringing the sauce and pasta together smoothly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • This recipe serves 6; leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/creamy-tomato-rigatoni-pasta-recipe/