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Easy Rigatoni Recipe

Easy Rigatoni Recipe
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This Easy Rigatoni Recipe is a warm, hearty, and comforting pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. Featuring al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, onion, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, it makes for a perfect quick weeknight meal that’s both family-friendly and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
  3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the garlic and onions. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained rigatoni to the skillet with tomato sauce. Toss gently over low heat, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick. Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their aroma.
  5. Finish and Serve: Plate the rigatoni and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the comforting and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce while making it silky and clingy.
  • Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for good-quality canned tomatoes for the richest sauce flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente rigatoni holds its shape better and absorbs sauce perfectly.
  • Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh basil adds brightness that canned or dried herbs can’t replicate.
  • Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking to balance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy rigatoni, quick pasta recipe, Italian comfort food, weeknight dinner, simple pasta sauce

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/easy-rigatoni-recipe/