Hearty & Flavorful: Rigatoni Pasta Delight with Marinara Magic! 2024

Rigatoni pasta with Marinara sauce is a classic Italian dish that combines tube-shaped pasta with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Rigatoni pasta is like large hollow tubes, perfect for trapping the delicious Marinara sauce in every bite. Rigatoni is pronounced “ree-guh-TOH-nee,” and Marinara is pronounced “mar-uh-NAIR-uh.” The Rigatoni pasta, with its large and ridged shape, grabs onto the Marinara sauce, which is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet. Together, they create a comforting and hearty meal that bursts with flavors of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Rigatoni Pasta with Marinara Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Making Rigatoni Pasta and Marinara Sauce:

• Cook the Rigatoni Pasta:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta.
3. Add the rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and stir gently. Let it cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is ‘al dente,’ meaning it’s cooked but still slightly firm to the bite.
4. When the pasta is done, carefully drain it into a colander in the sink and set it aside.

• Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

1. In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

• Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:

1. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic and oil.
2. Sprinkle in the dried basil and dried oregano. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

• Simmer the Marinara Sauce:

1. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low-medium to maintain a simmer.
2. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

• Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce.
2. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. This ensures each pasta piece is well-covered with the flavorful sauce.

• Serve:

1. Dish out the Rigatoni Pasta with Marinara Sauce onto plates or into serving bowls.
2. If desired, garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

• Storage:
  • Store any leftover Rigatoni pasta with Marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Additional Tips

• Customize the dish by adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or your favorite vegetables to the Marinara sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• For fresher taste, add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
• When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, and if needed, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Yield, Prep Time and Calories

• Yield: This recipe typically serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes and appetites.
• Prep Time: The estimated preparation time for this recipe is around 10-15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 30-40 minutes to cook, making it approximately 40-55 minutes in total.
• Calories: The calorie count for a serving of Rigatoni Pasta with Marinara Sauce can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. However, a standard serving of about 1 cup (cooked pasta with sauce) may contain approximately 300-400 calories, give or take, depending on variations in added ingredients like cheese or meat.

Details	Description
Yield	Serves 4 to 6 people
Prep Time	Approximately 10-15 minutes for prep, 30-40 minutes for cooking (Total: 40-55 minutes)
Calories (per serving)	Approximately 300-400 calories (1 cup, cooked pasta with sauce; variations possible based on ingredients)

What to Serve with Rigatoni Pasta with Marinara Sauce?

1. Garlic Bread: Slices of toasted or baked bread rubbed with garlic, butter, and herbs. It’s a classic side that complements the flavors of the pasta dish perfectly.
2. Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
3. Sautéed Vegetables: Lightly cooked vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. These veggies add color, nutrients, and a delightful crunch to your meal.
4. Breadsticks: Long, thin sticks of baked dough often seasoned with herbs and served as a delightful side to scoop up the sauce from the pasta.
5. Grilled Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast or thighs seasoned with Italian herbs or a simple salt and pepper seasoning. It adds a protein element to the meal and complements the flavors of the pasta.
6. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze or olive oil. It’s a light and refreshing side dish that harmonizes with the Italian flavors.

Enjoy your delicious Rigatoni Pasta with Marinara Sauce!

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