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Easy Rigatoni Recipe

Easy Rigatoni Recipe
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This Easy Rigatoni Recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and comforting pasta dinner made with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of spice, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile dish can be customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces dried rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste

Finishing Touches

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, usually about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—do not let it brown or burn.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked rigatoni into the sauce until all pieces are evenly coated. Add red pepper flakes now if you want a little spice.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Basil: Turn off the heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves. The cheese melts into the warm sauce, creating a luscious finish.

Notes

  • Perfect Pasta: Cook rigatoni just shy of fully done to avoid sogginess after mixing with sauce.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil and garlic for the most vibrant flavors.
  • Sauce Thickness: Simmer sauce uncovered to allow it to thicken without losing flavor.
  • Cheese Matters: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for better texture and taste.
  • Extra Flavor Punch: Stir in a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick or dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easy rigatoni, quick dinner, Italian pasta, tomato sauce, weeknight meal, family-friendly pasta

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