Here’s a simple, classic way to make rigatoni 🍝—plus a couple of easy variations.
🍝 Rigatoni with Tomato Sauce (Basic & Delicious)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- Salt & pepper
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or vegan alternative (optional)
Instructions
- Boil rigatoni in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic gently (30–60 seconds).
- Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Add pasta to the sauce with a splash of pasta water; toss to coat.
- Finish with basil and cheese.
🌟 Easy Variations
- Rigatoni alla Vodka (no alcohol version): Add ½ cup cream (or cashew cream) to tomato sauce.
- Baked Rigatoni: Toss with sauce, add mozzarella, bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Veggie Rigatoni: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Creamy Garlic Rigatoni: Olive oil, garlic, cream (or oat cream), salt, pepper.
Want a vegan, one-pan, or 30-minute baked rigatoni recipe?
