Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is rich, velvety, and deeply comforting—featuring al dente rigatoni coated in a smooth tomato-cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s a weeknight-friendly meal that tastes like an indulgent restaurant dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the bright acidity of tomato with the richness of cream.

• Ridged rigatoni captures every drop of sauce beautifully.

• Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.

• Customizable with protein or vegetables.

• Comforting, crowd-pleasing, and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta

• Olive oil

• Garlic (minced)

• Onion (finely chopped)

• Tomato paste

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Salt and black pepper

• Italian seasoning or dried oregano and basil

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until soft and fragrant.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Add crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

5. Lower the heat and stir in cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water as needed.

7. Stir in grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp for a protein boost.

• Stir in spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added vegetables.

• Substitute cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

• Use penne, fusilli, or any short pasta in place of rigatoni.

• Add a splash of vodka for a “vodka sauce” twist.

Storage / reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing is not ideal due to the cream content, but it can be done if necessary. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat slowly.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, but crushed tomatoes offer a bit more texture. Tomato sauce will give a smoother finish.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Rigatoni is ideal due to its large tubes and ridges, which hold onto the creamy sauce. Penne or ziti are also good alternatives.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes. Substitute with whole milk and a bit of butter, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist (add it off-heat to prevent curdling).

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Ensure the cream is added after lowering the heat and avoid boiling after it’s been added. Stir gently until fully incorporated.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, if you use vegetable-based Parmesan or omit it. No meat is included unless added optionally.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or a splash of hot sauce to the finished dish.

How can I make this sauce thicker?

Simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta, or reduce the amount of reserved pasta water used. The Parmesan also helps thicken it.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine (before adding tomatoes) can enhance flavor. Let it reduce before continuing.

What should I serve with this pasta?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the richness well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients proportionally and use a large enough pan or pot to accommodate the increased volume.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is a go-to comfort dish that never disappoints. With its rich, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as-is or adapted with your favorite ingredients. Whether for a quiet night in or a dinner with guests, it’s a timeless classic that always delivers.

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