Description
A quick and cozy pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a creamy garlic tomato sauce — ready in 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
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12 oz rigatoni
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced or sliced
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1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
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½ cup reserved pasta water
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
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Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
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Stir in cream and simmer 2–3 minutes more.
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Add pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and heat through.
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Serve with herbs, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
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Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
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Use gluten-free or plant-based substitutions as needed.
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Adjust spice level to taste with red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 per serving