Delicious Rigatoni Pasta Recipe – Easy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Saucy

Rigatoni pasta is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering. Known for its large, ridged tubes, rigatoni is ideal for holding onto rich sauces and ingredients. This easy rigatoni recipe is packed with flavor, from a savory tomato sauce to a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Whether you’re craving a meaty sauce, a creamy option, or a simple vegetable-based dish, rigatoni offers versatility and comfort in every bite. This homemade rigatoni pasta recipe is easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients Of Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Why You Will Love This Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Rigatoni pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce. The large ridges of rigatoni perfectly trap the sauce, making every bite a burst of flavor. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can customize the sauce to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a traditional tomato-based sauce or a creamy alternative. This rigatoni pasta recipe is also family-friendly and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, making it a staple in any home kitchen.

Preparation Process Of Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

This rigatoni pasta recipe comes together in no time! Begin by cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil to create a base, then add crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices to develop a rich, flavorful sauce. If you like a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream for extra richness. After combining the sauce with the cooked rigatoni, top with Parmesan and fresh basil for a delightful finish. Whether served on its own or paired with a side salad, this rigatoni pasta recipe is an easy and delicious meal.

Step By Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.

Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Cream (Optional): If you prefer a creamy sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce and stir until combined. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

How to Serve?

• Serve Hot: Rigatoni pasta is best served hot right from the stove for a fresh, comforting meal.
• Pair with a Side Salad: Pair with a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, meatballs, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein if desired.
• Top with Extra Cheese: For an extra indulgence, top the pasta with more grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

Recipe Card

Delicious Rigatoni Pasta Recipe – Easy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Saucy

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Pasta Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400-450

kcal

Rigatoni pasta is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. Known for its large, ridged tubes, rigatoni holds sauces perfectly, making each bite full of flavor. This easy rigatoni recipe features a rich, savory tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and oregano, and can be made even creamier with a splash of heavy cream. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a family gathering, rigatoni is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and delicious when topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamy sauce)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
• Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Add Cream (Optional): If you prefer a creamy sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce and stir until combined. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Storage: Leftover rigatoni pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little bit of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
• Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Alternative Sauces: If you’re in the mood for something different, try making a pesto sauce or a Bolognese sauce to pair with rigatoni.

FAQs

Conclusion