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Rigatoni Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce

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Hearty rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, thick homemade tomato sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and herbs for a comforting and satisfying Italian-style meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400 g rigatoni pasta
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 800 g crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, bay leaf, sugar, and chili flakes.
  7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until thick and rich.
  8. Remove bay leaf and add cooked rigatoni to the sauce.
  9. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use bronze-cut rigatoni for better sauce adhesion.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or olives for variation.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/rigatoni-pasta-with-rich-tomato-sauce/