Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta – A Cozy Italian-Inspired Classic

There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta coated in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. Creamy tomato rigatoni pasta is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and familiar, the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and instantly makes dinner feel special. It’s the perfect balance of bright tomato flavor and luxurious creaminess, clinging beautifully to every ridge of the rigatoni.

This dish is inspired by classic Italian comfort cooking, where simple pantry ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The tomato base brings acidity and depth, while the cream mellows everything into a smooth, silky sauce that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home. Rigatoni is the ideal pasta for this sauce, with its wide tubes and ridged surface designed to trap every bit of creamy goodness.

Creamy tomato rigatoni is also wonderfully versatile. It can stand alone as a cozy vegetarian main dish, or act as the base for add-ins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a casual dinner party, or a quiet evening at home, this pasta delivers comfort, elegance, and serious flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• Rigatoni pasta
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• Tomato paste
• Heavy cream
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
8. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
9. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
10. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
11. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning.
13. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan.

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta

A comforting pasta dish made with rigatoni tossed in a rich and silky tomato cream sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and butter.
3. Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, then simmer.
4. Stir in cream and parmesan, then toss with pasta.

Notes

Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• Salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor.
• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer sauce.
• Add cream slowly to prevent curdling.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to develop depth without burning.
• Reserve pasta water—it’s key to a silky sauce.

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetable boost.
• Use vodka before adding cream for a vodka-style sauce.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Add Italian sausage for a hearty, meaty twist.

Serving Suggestions
Creamy tomato rigatoni pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, focaccia, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. For a cozy dinner, serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto plate. A sparkling water or light red wine complements the richness perfectly.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQ
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before tossing with fresh pasta.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, ziti, or fusilli work well, but rigatoni holds the sauce best.

Is this sauce too heavy?
The cream balances the acidity of the tomatoes without overpowering the dish. You can reduce the amount of cream if preferred.

History / Fun Facts
Tomato cream sauces became popular in Italian-American cooking as a way to soften the acidity of tomatoes while adding richness. Rigatoni, with its sturdy shape, has long been favored for hearty sauces, making this pairing a timeless classic that continues to be loved across generations.