One Pot Rigatoni Pink: Amazing 13-Minute Dish

Name: One Pot Rigatoni Pink: Amazing 13-Minute Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

•

4 de September de 2025

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One Pot Rigatoni Pink has become my go-to weeknight dinner, and I’m so excited to share this amazing rigatoni pink pasta recipe with you! I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and tomatoes filling my kitchen instantly made me feel cozy and content. This dish is pure comfort food, with perfectly cooked rigatoni swimming in a rich, creamy pink sauce. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with multiple pots and pans. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Rigatoni Pink

This dish is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of creamy tomato and savory rigatoni.
The prep time is minimal, getting dinner on the table fast.
It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses pantry staples.
This easy one pot pink rigatoni is a lifesaver on busy nights.
It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour.
Cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash.
You get a satisfying and comforting Italian meal with little effort.
This easy one pot pink rigatoni is proof that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients for One Pot Rigatoni Pink

Gathering your ingredients for this delicious one pot tomato cream rigatoni is super simple! Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. I find that using quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final flavor, turning this into a truly special meal.

12 ounces rigatoni pasta – the perfect shape to hold all that creamy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing our aromatics
1 medium onion, diced – about 1 cup, adds a subtle sweetness
3 cloves garlic, minced – because what’s pasta without garlic?
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a pantry staple that brings classic Italian flavor
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes – the base of our beautiful pink sauce
1 cup vegetable broth – adds depth and helps cook the pasta
1 cup heavy cream – this is what makes it so luxuriously creamy!
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that salty, umami kick
Salt and pepper to taste – always season to your liking
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) – for a pop of color and freshness

How to Make One Pot Rigatoni Pink

Get ready for the easiest pasta dinner ever! This recipe for one pot rigatoni pink is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever did things differently. It’s a truly quick and easy pink rigatoni that makes weeknight meals a breeze.

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and place it over medium heat.
Step 2: Toss in your 1 medium onion, diced. Sauté these little flavor bombs until they start to soften and turn translucent, which usually takes about 3–4 minutes. The kitchen will already start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Now, stir in the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for just another minute until you can really smell that garlicky goodness. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Pour in the 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes and 1 cup vegetable broth. Give it a good mix to combine everything. This is the start of our beautiful pink sauce!
Step 5: Turn up the heat a bit and bring this liquid mixture to a rolling boil. This helps kickstart the cooking process for our pasta.
Step 6: Carefully add the 12 ounces rigatoni pasta to the pot. Stir it occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 10–12 minutes, until the rigatoni is perfectly al dente. This whole process is what makes it such a quick and easy pink rigatoni.
Step 7: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream. Mix it gently until the sauce becomes smooth and takes on that gorgeous pink hue. It should look so creamy and inviting!
Step 8: Gradually sprinkle in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce, making it even richer and more delicious.
Step 9: Taste your creation and add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed until it’s just right for you.
Step 10: Remove the pot from the heat. If you have some, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderful one pot tomato cream rigatoni!

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Rigatoni Pink

Want to elevate your one pot rigatoni pink experience? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor every single time, making this a truly memorable meal.

Don’t be afraid to use fresh garlic; it adds so much more depth than pre-minced.
Always stir the pasta frequently while it cooks in the sauce to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
For an extra creamy texture, ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the hot sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end! A little extra salt or pepper can really make the flavors pop.

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Rigatoni Pink?

The true secret to a perfect one pot creamy rigatoni pink lies in the balance of liquid to pasta. Ensure you have enough broth and crushed tomatoes to cook the rigatoni properly, and don’t rush the final cream and cheese addition – stir until beautifully emulsified. For more tips on achieving perfect pasta dishes, check out these culinary techniques.

Can I make One Pot Rigatoni Pink ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce base (steps 1-4) a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the uncooked pasta, broth, and cook as directed, finishing with the cream and cheese. This is a great way to save time, similar to how some people prepare make-ahead breakfast.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Rigatoni Pink?

The most common mistake is overcooking the pasta! Watch it closely and cook it just until al dente. Another pitfall is adding the cream too early; wait until the pasta is cooked to prevent it from curdling. Lastly, don’t skip tasting and seasoning at the end. Learning about proper food storage can also help maintain quality.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Rigatoni Pink

This delightful one pot rigatoni pink is so versatile, you can dress it up or down! For a truly comforting meal, I love serving it with a big, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad is a wonderful contrast to the creamy pasta. If you’re looking for a more substantial pairing, some crusty garlic bread is always a winner – perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. This simple pink rigatoni pasta dish also pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a complete, satisfying dinner.

One Pot Rigatoni Pink: Amazing 13-Minute Dish - One Pot Rigatoni Pink - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for One Pot Rigatoni Pink

When I whip up this comforting one pot rigatoni pink, I like to know what I’m serving. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving. It’s a satisfying meal that balances richness with all the delicious pasta goodness!

Calories: 600 kcal
Fat: 25g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 75g (estimated)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you make any of the tasty variations! For more information on healthy eating, you can explore resources on nutrition.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Rigatoni Pink

This delicious one pot rigatoni pink makes fantastic leftovers, which is great for meal prep or when you just want a quick, comforting meal later. Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer the pasta into an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it a perfect candidate for your weekly meal prep rotation. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. This is a great way to ensure you always have a tasty meal on hand.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored pasta, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in a covered dish until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to help loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency. This ensures your reheated creamy tomato rigatoni one pot is just as delightful as when it was first made.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Rigatoni Pink

What is One Pot Rigatoni Pink?

Essentially, what is one pot rigatoni pink? It’s a pasta dish where rigatoni noodles are cooked directly in a flavorful pink sauce, all in a single pot. This method simplifies cooking and cleanup, resulting in perfectly cooked pasta infused with the creamy tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Can I use different pasta shapes in my One Pot Rigatoni Pink?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding the sauce, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package directions, as they can vary. The goal is to cook the pasta in the sauce until it’s perfectly al dente. For more pasta inspiration, explore these pasta recipes.

How do I make the pink sauce creamier for my One Pot Rigatoni Pink?

To achieve an extra creamy texture in your one pot creamy rigatoni pink, ensure you use good quality heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while the heat is low. Some people also add a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a splash of milk when reheating to revive the creaminess.

Is this One Pot Rigatoni Pink recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly! The mild tomato and cream sauce is generally appealing to children, and the rigatoni shape is fun to eat. You can even adjust the seasonings to be milder if needed. It’s a great way to serve a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Check out these tips for cooking for kids.

Variations of One Pot Rigatoni Pink You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic one pot rigatoni pink, you’ll love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs! This versatile dish is perfect for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage towards the end of cooking. This transforms it into an even more substantial pasta dish.
Make it Veggie-Packed: Boost the nutritional value by adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, or stir in sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and Italian seasoning. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Kid-Friendly Focus: To make it extra kid-friendly one pot rigatoni pink, ensure you use mild seasonings and perhaps a touch less garlic. You can also serve it with a side of extra Parmesan cheese for them to add themselves.