Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta – Family Fresh Meals

If you need a quick, comforting meal for those hectic weeknights, this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta is a fantastic option. Featuring a velvety tomato sauce, perfectly tender rigatoni, and fresh spinach, it comes together in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy families.

How do I store and reheat this recipe?

This creamy tomato rigatoni pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or heavy cream to maintain the creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a mild sauce, use just 1 teaspoon or omit them entirely.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni is ideal for holding thick sauces, penne or ziti work well too.

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substitutions:

Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Swap out the vegetable broth for ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Ground Turkey: If you’re looking for a lighter protein option, ground turkey works well in place of beef or sausage.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Ingredients Needed

Olive Oil: Forms the base of the sauce and helps sauté the garlic and onions for rich flavor.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory note to the sauce.
Sweet Onion: Gives a slight sweetness and depth to the creamy tomato sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of all ingredients.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a bit of heat and spice for balance.
San Marzano Tomatoes: Known for their sweetness, these canned tomatoes are the perfect base of the sauce.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Adds a rich flavor and helps simmer the rigatoni to al dente perfection
Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
Grape Tomatoes: Adds a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Spinach: A healthy addition that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Rigatoni Pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the thick creamy sauce.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant, fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
Pecorino Romano: A sharp, salty cheese that elevates the dish with its umami flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Rigatoni

In a deep skillet add olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add in diced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes to saute for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Next add in your grape tomatoes. Saute for 2-3 minutes to release juices.
Add your broth and canned tomatoes. Break the tomatoes with your spoon and combine. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling add in your rigatoni. Cook for 10-12 minutes until liquid has been absorbed and pasta is cooked through.
Add in your cream, spinach, and basil. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Add more salt to taste if needed.
Top your rigatoni with freshly grated pecorino and minced basil.

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