Go Back
Homemade Rigatoni Pomodoro photo

Rigatoni Pomodoro

A simple, classic tomato and basil rigatoni tossed in a fragrant garlic–tomato sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) whole peeled Italian tomatoes with juices
  • 8 leaves fresh basil
  • salt to taste, plus 1 tablespoon for the pasta water
  • black pepper to taste
  • sugar optional, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
  • 10 oz rigatoni
  • fresh basil for garnish
  • grated Parmesan for garnish
  • extra virgin olive oil for finishing drizzle

Equipment

  • large frying pan or sauté pan
  • Large Pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Tongs
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over low heat. Add the crushed garlic and gently cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft, taking care not to brown it.
  2. Add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices and the fresh basil leaves to the pan. Break the tomatoes up with the back of a spoon or spatula.
  3. Simmer the sauce on low for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down.
  4. Blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender, then return it to the pan and cook gently for 10 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use about 1 tablespoon salt). Cook the rigatoni 1 minute less than the package instructions.
  6. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  7. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss with tongs over low heat so the pasta is completely coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening, and cook 1 more minute to marry flavors.
  8. Adjust seasoning, then serve topped with extra fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
  • Use penne or spirals as an alternative to rigatoni.