Description
One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce is a creamy, comforting Italian-American dish that combines perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta with a luscious pink tomato and cream sauce. This ultimate recipe is simple to make, requiring only one pot for minimal cleanup, and offers a rich, flavorful meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Creamy Finish
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in water or low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in uncooked rigatoni pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the rigatoni is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy while coating the pasta evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy rigatoni into serving dishes and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your one-pot pink sauce pasta meal.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken before serving.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights since it uses only one pot, minimizing cleanup.
