Description
A quick and comforting Easy Rigatoni Recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful pasta dish combines simple pantry staples into a rich tomato sauce, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil for a satisfying family-friendly meal that can be easily customized for various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 12 oz high-quality rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian herb blend (basil, oregano, thyme)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the rigatoni and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Cook rigatoni al dente for the best texture.
- Use freshly minced garlic for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently to meld flavors without burning.
- Add Parmesan cheese just before serving for a rich, nutty finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: rigatoni, pasta, easy dinner, Italian, weeknight meal, tomato sauce, family-friendly, quick recipe
