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 sauce clings to each piece of pasta, delivering the perfect balance of tangy tomato and luscious cream in every bite. This dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

I first fell in love with this recipe on a cold winter evening when I was craving something hearty yet easy to make. A quick raid of my pantry revealed a can of tomatoes, some heavy cream, and a box of rigatoni, and from that moment on, this dish became a staple in my home. Now, it's my go-to when I need a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is packed with flavor and checks all the boxes for a perfect meal.

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

It's also wonderfully creamy without being too heavy. The combination of tangy tomatoes and rich cream creates a silky, balanced sauce that pairs perfectly with hearty rigatoni.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely! This dish relies on affordable, everyday ingredients, making it perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.

Best of all, it's customizable. Want to add protein? Toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp. Prefer a little spice? A dash of red pepper flakes will do the trick. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet high-impact ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor.

Rigatoni pasta is the star of this recipe. Its ridged, tube-like shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have rigatoni, penne or ziti make great substitutes.

Canned crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, offering a deep, tangy tomato flavor. I recommend using high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best results—they’re naturally sweeter and less acidic.

Heavy cream is what makes this dish irresistibly creamy. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a luxurious texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Garlic and onion provide the aromatic backbone of the sauce. Sautéing them in olive oil helps develop a deep, savory base that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Parmesan cheese adds a final layer of umami and depth. Stirring it in at the end thickens the sauce slightly and gives it a salty, nutty finish. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

How To Make This Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Creating this comforting pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a deliciously creamy and flavorful meal.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld together.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to blend with the tomatoes, creating a silky, pink-hued sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Toss in the cooked rigatoni, stirring to coat every piece of pasta in the creamy tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and mix until melted and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness in every bite!

Storage Options

This pasta dish stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For reheating, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. These options add extra heartiness and complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

If you're looking for a vegetarian boost, throw in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. They add depth and a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Want a little extra kick? A dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste will give the sauce a spicy edge.

For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The result is still rich and delicious, with a slightly different flavor profile.

Finally, if you prefer a lighter sauce, replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese. This keeps the dish creamy while cutting back on fat and calories.

The beauty of this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is that you can make it your own. No matter how you customize it, you're guaranteed a comforting and satisfying meal!

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