Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Delight

Craving a cozy, delicious pasta that’s easy to make at home? This creamy tomato rigatoni pasta recipe is just what you need. With a luscious tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and the right blend of spices, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your table in just 25 minutes. Ideal for both vegetarians and pasta lovers of all kinds, this creamy rigatoni pasta is sure to become a household favorite.  

Why Try Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta? 

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about rigatoni pasta, with its ridged, tubular shape that captures every bit of creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and creamy, with rich flavors that make it feel restaurant-worthy while being easy enough for any home cook to whip up. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this pasta recipe brings out the best in rigatoni, showcasing its ability to hold a sauce like no other. 

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta 

For this recipe, we’re using a blend of everyday ingredients and a few special seasonings that enhance the sauce's depth. Here’s what you’ll need: 

Rigatoni Pasta: Or any other smaller pasta shape that holds sauce well. 

Aromatics:Onion and garlic create a robust flavor base for the sauce. 

Pride of India's Seasonings: A simple yet impactful mix of Pride of India's Himalayan White Salt (fine grind), Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Gourmet Hot Red Pepper Flakes, and Black Pepper Powder. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices for your own twist. 

All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit to help thicken the creamy tomato sauce. 

Heavy Cream: You can opt for a lighter cream if preferred, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich. 

Tomato Pasta Sauce: Marinara or any other favorite tomato-based pasta sauce works beautifully. 

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a perfect, salty finish to this creamy pasta dish. 

Special Tips for Ingredients

Rigatoni’s Shape: Rigatoni is perfect here as its ridges hold onto the sauce, but if you’re out, try penne or fusilli for similar results. 

Seasonings: Pride of India seasonings offer a unique flavor boost, especially the lemon pepper, which adds a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta 

This quick and easy vegetarian pasta dinner comes together in a total of just 25 minutes! Follow these simple steps to make it: 

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta (10–12 minutes) 

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add rigatoni, and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually about 10–12 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later. 

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce (5 minutes) 

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the onion and cook until it begins to brown, which should take about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and seasonings, then cook for another minute to bring out their flavors. 

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (5 minutes) 

Add the Pride of India All-Purpose Flour to the skillet, stirring to coat the aromatics. Next, pour in the heavy cream and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it slightly thickens. 

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce (3 minutes) 

Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, along with a little reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup at a time) until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Toss the pasta in the sauce until every piece is well-coated and the dish comes together. 

Step 5: Finish and Serve 

Top the assembled pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and saucy delight that’s sure to satisfy. 

Tips for Variations and Substitutions 

This creamy tomato rigatoni pasta is delicious as is, but there are plenty of ways to customize it: 

• Make It Creamier: For a creamier version, add an extra splash of heavy cream before serving. 

• Spicier Option:For those who enjoy a kick, increase the amount of our Gourmet Hot Red Pepper Flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce. 

• Add Protein:This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, so try making a chicken rigatoni pasta by adding pre-cooked, sliced chicken to the sauce in Step 4. 

• Vegetable Additions: For added nutrition, toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when you add the tomato sauce. 

Nutrition Information 

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving: 

• Calories: 480 

• Carbohydrates: 68g 

• Protein: 12g 

• Fats: 18g 

• Fiber: 5g 

This dish also provides a healthy dose of essential vitamins, like B vitamins from the pasta, and minerals like calcium from the Parmesan. 

Wrapping It Up 

This creamy tomato rigatoni pasta recipe is a quick and comforting option for pasta night. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with satisfying flavors that make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the creamy texture, the spicy undertones, and the unique flavors of Pride of India seasonings that make this pasta truly stand out. Try it today and experience why this spicy, creamy rigatoni pasta has become a go-to favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.