Rigatoni Recipe: A Delightful Italian Pasta Dish Made Simple
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsTipsIngredientsFor the Rigatoni:- 500g of rigatoni pasta- 2 tablespoons of olive oil- 2 cloves of garlic, minced- 1……
Guide or Summary:
Ingredients
For the Rigatoni:
- 500g of rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (400g)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the pepper starts to soften.
4. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Once the sauce has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. You want a smooth, rich sauce that coats the rigatoni perfectly.
6. Drain the cooked rigatoni pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve the rigatoni hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Optionally, you can add a side salad or some garlic bread to complete your meal.
Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer a cream-based sauce, you can add some heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make sure to use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Don't forget to reserve some pasta water; it's often used to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.
This simple yet delicious rigatoni recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of the tender rigatoni pasta and the rich, flavorful sauce makes for a satisfying and comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're a pasta lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, this rigatoni recipe is a must-try!