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Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

Tomato Rigatoni Pasta
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Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines perfectly cooked al dente rigatoni with a rich, fresh tomato sauce enhanced by garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly meal is quick to prepare, customizable, and packed with bright, natural flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta (use gluten-free rigatoni for gluten-free option)
  • 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, diced, or 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and dice the fresh tomatoes if using fresh. Mince the garlic cloves, tear the fresh basil leaves, and grate the Parmesan cheese to have everything ready before cooking.
  2. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned. Add the tomatoes and cook down until they become soft and saucy, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the pan with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening and to help it cling to the pasta.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in torn fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir gently before serving.

Notes

  • Use Quality Tomatoes: Fresh or canned San Marzano tomatoes offer the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep rigatoni al dente for optimal texture and sauce absorption.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is perfect for thinning and binding the sauce.
  • Low and Slow Sauté: Cook garlic over medium heat to avoid bitterness and release aroma.
  • Add Fresh Basil at the End: Adding basil off the heat preserves its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato rigatoni pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, easy tomato sauce, gluten-free pasta, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/tomato-rigatoni-pasta/