Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta after a long day. The combination of tender pasta coated in a velvety tomato-based cream sauce, with hints of garlic and parmesan, makes this dish irresistibly delicious. It's a family-friendly meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.

I first created this recipe on a night when I was craving something rich and comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. A quick pantry check revealed a can of tomatoes, some heavy cream, and a box of rigatoni—ingredients that would soon come together to create a new household favorite. Now, this creamy, dreamy pasta is a regular on our dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish. This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table with minimal effort.

The creamy tomato sauce is the perfect balance of tangy and rich. The acidity of the tomatoes is mellowed out by the addition of heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture that clings perfectly to every bite of rigatoni.

It’s also a budget-friendly option. Using simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, pasta, and a few aromatics means you can feed a family of four without breaking the bank.

Lastly, this dish is highly versatile. You can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, toss in some spinach or mushrooms, or even swap out the rigatoni for another pasta shape you love.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Rigatoni pasta is the star of the show. Its ridged surface holds onto the creamy tomato sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. While other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli would work, rigatoni provides the best texture.

Canned crushed tomatoes create the base of the sauce. They bring the perfect level of acidity and sweetness, making them ideal for a well-rounded tomato flavor. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, diced tomatoes can be used instead.

Heavy cream is what gives this dish its signature creamy texture. It softens the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a luscious, smooth sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Fresh garlic and onion add depth and aroma to the sauce. Sautéing them first allows their natural sweetness to develop, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Parmesan cheese provides a savory, umami boost. Stirring it in at the end helps thicken the sauce while adding a deliciously nutty finish.

A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are the only special tools needed, making cleanup a breeze.

How To Make This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Creating this creamy, dreamy pasta dish is simpler than you might think. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the rigatoni until al dente is key—this ensures that it has the perfect bite and doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce. Once done, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend seamlessly into the tomato sauce. Watch as the sauce transforms into a beautiful, velvety mixture. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely.

Finally, toss in the cooked rigatoni, making sure each piece is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Let everything cook together for a minute or two so the flavors can fully develop. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this pasta stores beautifully! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second increments, stirring in between until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. Simply cook them separately and stir them into the sauce before adding the pasta.

If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. These ingredients will complement the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.

For a spicier kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This adds a subtle heat that balances well with the richness of the cream.

To make it dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. The result will still be creamy and delicious with a slight hint of coconut.

Finally, if you don’t have rigatoni on hand, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. The sauce is versatile enough to pair with any pasta shape you love.

This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is truly a recipe that keeps on giving. Whether you make it as-is or put your own spin on it, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen!

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