Description
This Tomato Rigatoni Pasta recipe is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta combines simple pantry ingredients to deliver vibrant flavors and a satisfying meal that can be customized with proteins, veggies, or cheeses to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
- Finish with fresh basil and cheese: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir them into the pasta just before serving. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente by tasting it a minute or two before the package time ends to avoid overcooking.
- Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
- Don’t skip fresh basil, as it adds brightness and a fresh herbal note to the dish.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it bind with the pasta for a silky texture.
- Simmer the tomato sauce on low heat to deepen the flavors without making it too thick.
- Optional additions include sautéed vegetables, protein such as sausage or grilled chicken, and cheese like ricotta or mozzarella for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg