Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta after a long day. The rich, velvety tomato sauce clings to every piece of pasta, offering a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. Whether you're making this for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please.

I first fell in love with this recipe while experimenting with different ways to elevate a simple marinara sauce. By adding heavy cream and parmesan, I discovered a sauce that was not only decadent but also incredibly easy to make. Now, it's one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that is both indulgent and incredibly simple to make. This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta will become a staple in your meal rotation for several reasons.

First, it’s unbelievably quick and easy. You can have this entire dish ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Not only is it fast, but it’s also budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples like canned tomatoes, pasta, and cream, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

This recipe is also versatile. Whether you want to add grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of spinach, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

And let’s not forget the creamy, dreamy texture. The combination of tomato sauce and heavy cream creates a rich and luscious coating for the rigatoni, making every bite an absolute delight.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy elements.

Rigatoni pasta is the ideal choice for this dish. Its ridged surface holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated in creamy tomato goodness. While you could substitute it with penne or ziti, rigatoni offers the best texture and sauce-to-pasta ratio.

Canned crushed tomatoes provide the base for the sauce. They add a rich tomato flavor without being too chunky, creating the perfect consistency for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Heavy cream is what makes this dish luxuriously creamy. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes while adding a silky texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half can work, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Fresh garlic and onions are essential for building flavor. Sautéing them in olive oil before adding the tomatoes deepens the sauce’s complexity and brings out its natural sweetness.

For an extra boost of umami, Parmesan cheese is a must. It melts into the sauce, adding depth and saltiness that ties all the flavors together. A sprinkle of extra parmesan on top before serving makes it even better.

How To Make This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Making this pasta dish is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in no time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens! The sauce will transform into a creamy, velvety consistency. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully incorporated.

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this pasta keeps well! Store any remaining Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

• Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for an extra serving of veggies.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use different cheese: Try swapping parmesan for pecorino romano for a sharper, more intense flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a plant-based version.

No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is sure to become a family favorite. So grab a fork and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

Print