Why You’ll Love Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
-
Ready in under 30 minutes
-
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
-
Family-friendly and kid-approved
-
Easy to customize with proteins or vegetables
-
Creamy without being too heavy
-
Perfect for leftovers or meal prep
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
dry rigatoni pasta
-
salted butter
-
finely diced onion
-
minced fresh garlic
-
salt
-
Italian seasoning
-
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
black pepper
-
all-purpose flour
-
heavy cream or half-and-half
-
tomato pasta sauce (such as marinara)
-
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
-
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
-
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and slightly golden.
-
Stir in garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
-
Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics and stir until it disappears into the mixture.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
-
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and stir to coat. Gradually add some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
-
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 4 to 6
-
Prep time: 5 minutes
-
Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
-
Total time: 25 to 30 minutes
Variations
-
Add protein: Try adding cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
-
Make it vegetarian: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
-
Go cheesy: Add mozzarella or fontina to make it even more indulgent.
-
Spicy twist: Use more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili paste.
-
Baked version: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
Storage/Reheating
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
-
Freeze (optional): Not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing, but can be done in a pinch.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, but penne, ziti, or fusilli are also great options.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as written. Just make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan if needed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.
How spicy is it?
It’s mild with a hint of warmth from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and reheated before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
What if I forget to reserve pasta water?
You can substitute with a splash of warm water, milk, or broth. Pasta water is best because of its starch content.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a touch more flour at the beginning if you want a thicker consistency.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Spinach, kale, mushrooms, bell peppers, or roasted cherry tomatoes are excellent additions.
Can I bake this pasta?
Yes. After combining the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly and satisfies every time. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and creamy, this recipe is a go-to favorite that’s easy to make and easy to love. Adjust it to your liking with proteins, veggies, or extra cheese, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
