Authentic San Marzano Rigatoni: A Creamy Italian Trattoria-Style Pasta Recipe

Creamy Rigatoni with San Marzano Tomato Sauce

Looking for the ultimate rigatoni recipe that will transport you straight to an authentic Italian trattoria? This Creamy Rigatoni with San Marzano Tomato Sauce combines the perfect tubular pasta with a velvety, rich sauce that’s been inspired by closely guarded restaurant secrets. The generous tubes of rigatoni pasta are ideal for capturing every drop of this buttery, tomato-based sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Italian Rigatoni Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of premium San Marzano tomatoes, butter, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish hits all the right notes:

• Restaurant-quality: Inspired by a formerly secret recipe from renowned Italian establishments
• Rich flavor profile: The butter and tomato combination creates unmatched depth
• Perfectly balanced: Just the right amount of garlic, heat, and creaminess
• Impressive yet simple: Looks and tastes gourmet despite being easy to prepare

The Secret to Perfect Rigatoni Pasta

The star of this dish is, of course, the pasta itself. Rigatoni is characterized by its tube shape with ridged exterior, making it excellent for hearty sauces. When cooking rigatoni, aim for that perfect al dente texture – firm enough to hold its shape but tender enough to enjoy. Always cook in generously salted water and remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Rigatoni Sauce

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, blended until smooth
• ¼ cup water
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for the sauce
• Blender or food processor for tomatoes
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Colander for draining pasta

Step-by-Step Rigatoni with Tomato Cream Sauce Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the rigatoni. Hold off cooking the pasta until the sauce is nearly ready.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent and beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, approximately 1 minute.
5. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and stir to incorporate.
6. Pour in the blended San Marzano tomatoes and ¼ cup of water. Stir well to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. When the sauce has about 10 minutes left, cook the rigatoni in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes).
9. Reduce the sauce heat to low and stir in the butter pieces until completely melted and incorporated, creating a silky texture.
10. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the rigatoni.
11. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If needed, add splashes of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
12. Mix in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until melted.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
14. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Rigatoni Dish

• San Marzano tomatoes: Don’t substitute if possible – these Italian plum tomatoes have a distinctive sweetness and low acidity that’s crucial for the sauce.
• Simmer time: The lengthy simmering develops deep flavors as the sauce reduces and concentrates. Don’t rush this step!
• Pasta water magic: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates the perfect consistency.
• Butter quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor profile.
• Al dente perfection: Cook the rigatoni just until it has a slight bite – it will continue cooking briefly in the hot sauce.

Common Questions About Cooking Rigatoni

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, many Italian chefs believe tomato sauces taste even better the next day after flavors have had time to meld.

What can I substitute for San Marzano tomatoes?
While San Marzanos provide the best flavor, high-quality canned plum tomatoes can work. Look for tomatoes with minimal additives for a cleaner taste.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This rigatoni recipe is completely vegetarian. Just ensure your cheese uses vegetarian rennet if that’s a concern.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Certainly! Italian sausage, pancetta, or even grilled chicken make excellent additions. Brown your protein of choice before starting the sauce, then set aside and fold back in at the end.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve this creamy rigatoni dish in warmed pasta bowls with additional grated cheese on the side. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, plus crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Why Rigatoni is the Perfect Pasta Choice

The beauty of rigatoni lies in its architecture. Those ridged tubes with their generous openings create the perfect vehicle for capturing thick, chunky sauces. Unlike smooth pasta varieties, rigatoni holds sauce both inside and outside each piece, ensuring every bite delivers the full flavor experience of this luxurious tomato cream sauce.

This classic rigatoni recipe proves that sometimes the simplest combinations – good pasta, quality tomatoes, and real butter – create the most extraordinary culinary experiences. Try it tonight for a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes