Rao’s Easy Creamy Rigatoni

Rao’s Easy Creamy Rigatoni
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Serves: 4 People

This easy creamy rigatoni recipe comes together in just 25 minutes using Rao's Homemade® Creamy Marinara with Mascarpone Sauce and Rao's Homemade® Rigatoni Pasta — the ridged, tube-shaped pasta that's perfectly built to capture every bit of rich, velvety sauce, inside and out. With a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it all together, this creamy tomato pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort in a fraction of the time, finished with fresh baby basil and shaved Parmesan for an elevated, effortless dinner.

Ingredients

    • 1 lb Rao’s Homemade® Rigatoni Pasta
    • 1 (24 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade® Creamy Marinara with Mascarpone Sauce
    • ½ cup reserved pasta water
    • Salt, to taste
    • Optional, for finishing:
      • Fresh baby basil leaves
      • Shaved or feathered Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 6 quarts per pound of pasta). Add the Rao’s Homemade® Rigatoni Pasta and cook for 11–12 minutes, until al dente.
    • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the Rao’s Homemade® Rigatoni Pasta.
    • In the same pot or a large skillet over medium heat, warm the Rao’s Homemade® Creamy Marinara with Mascarpone Sauce gently, without boiling.
    • Add the drained Rao’s Homemade® Rigatoni Pasta to the Rao’s Homemade® Creamy Marinara with Mascarpone Sauce and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to every ridge.
    • Divide among bowls and finish with fresh baby basil and shaved or feathered Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired.

Tips

  • Optional spicy twist: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while warming the sauce for a subtle kick — a nod to the classic vodka-rigatoni flavor profile.