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Easy Rigatoni Recipe

Easy Rigatoni Recipe
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This Easy Rigatoni Recipe delivers a rich, satisfying Italian dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender rigatoni pasta bathed in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, fresh basil, and finished with Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish uses simple pantry ingredients to bring bold, delicious flavors to your table. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s easy to customize with veggies, proteins, or spice levels to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

To Serve

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as desired
  • Extra olive oil and basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rigatoni. Cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Stir in fresh basil leaves to infuse herbal brightness to the dish.
  4. Serve with Cheese: Plate the saucy rigatoni and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle extra olive oil or add more fresh basil leaves before serving hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Salt your pasta water well to season the pasta from within.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen and retain a silky sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is ideal.
  • Use fresh garlic and basil for maximum flavor impact.
  • Let Parmesan cheese melt naturally on hot pasta to enhance creaminess without clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: rigatoni, easy rigatoni recipe, tomato sauce pasta, quick Italian dinner, weeknight pasta, vegetarian pasta, simple pasta recipe

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