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Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

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A comforting pasta dish combining rigatoni with a rich, creamy tomato sauce seasoned to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g dry rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 0.5 small onion (finely diced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 1.5 cups tomato pasta sauce (e.g., marinara)
  • 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining!
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in the salt, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Let those flavors mingle for another minute, then whisk in the flour to form a roux.
  4. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to blend out any lumps. Add the marinara sauce and stir until fully combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Toss in the drained rigatoni and stir everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  6. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.
  7. Dish out portions, garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp, or incorporate veggies for a nutrient boost. This dish is best served warm with garlic bread or an arugula salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: rigatoni, creamy tomato pasta, pasta recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://thecomfortspoon.com/creamy-tomato-rigatoni-pasta/