If you’re dreaming of a weeknight dinner that’s as luscious as it is low-fuss, One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce will make you fall head over heels. Imagine generous rigatoni noodles soaking up a velvety pink sauce—all silky tomato, creaminess, a hint of Parmesan, and just enough garlic to coax you in for another bite. This is comfort food at its finest, coming together in one pot and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again, whether it’s a cozy family meal or a casual get-together with friends. There’s no question: this One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce turns ordinary evenings into something truly special.

One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce plays a role in building unbeatably rich flavor and an inviting texture that begs you to dig in. You’ll find each component is simple, familiar, and easy to find, but the way they work together is pure magic—color, creaminess, and a balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy notes in every bite.

Rigatoni pasta: Those hefty tubes are perfect for holding onto all that beautiful pink sauce in each mouthful.
Olive oil: A foundation for soft, glistening onions and garlic, giving the whole sauce a head start on flavor.
Garlic: Bright and aromatic, garlic sets the stage for an irresistible, savory hit right from the start.
Yellow onion: Diced small, onion adds sweetness and a wonderful foundation for your sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: Bring tang and body to the sauce, giving you that classic tomato backbone with rustic texture.
Tomato sauce: Smooths everything out and deepens the flavor, making the sauce extra-silky.
Heavy cream: The magic ingredient! This is what gives your pink sauce its irresistible creamy blush and rich finish.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds depth and ensures the rigatoni cooks perfectly in the sauce without going dry.
Salt: Brings out all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: For a touch of earthy bite that punctuates the creaminess.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian herbs instantly brings that classic, homey aroma.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle, lingering heat—add to taste.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gets stirred in at the finish for even more richness, tang, and a salty, cheesy punch.
Fresh basil (optional): The ultimate final flourish—green, fragrant, fresh, and beautiful!

How to Make One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by placing a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté them gently, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 4 minutes—enough time to make your whole kitchen smell amazing and the onions to turn soft and a little translucent. This base infuses the entire dish with layers of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.

Step 2: Build the Pink Sauce

Next, it’s time to pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream (the star for that dreamy pink color), and your broth of choice. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a kick. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together and let those flavors start to meld as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. Right away, you’ll see that lovely rosy hue begin to emerge—this is what makes One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce so irresistible!

Step 3: Add the Rigatoni

Toss the uncooked rigatoni straight into the bubbling pink sauce. Stir well so each piece is coated; you don’t want any pasta left behind! Then cover the pot and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to make sure nothing’s sticking, and more importantly, to check if you need a splash more broth or water. This helps the pasta turn tender, drinking up all that luscious flavor as it cooks.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Once your rigatoni is perfectly al dente and the sauce has thickened into a creamy pool, stir in the grated Parmesan. Watch as it melts right in, making everything extra glossy and rich. A final tasting here is your cue to adjust the seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt or a turn of pepper if you like. At this point, your kitchen will smell so divine, patience will be a challenge!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and, if you have it handy, sprinkle generous handfuls of chopped fresh basil over the top. The green pops beautifully against the pink, and the aroma is pure Italian bliss. Serve straight from the pot for a rustic vibe or plate it up for a special occasion—either way, your One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce

Garnishes

A gorgeous pink pasta is only made more inviting with fresh garnishes. Go for extra grated Parmesan for a salty finish, a shower of chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley for fragrance and color, and a drizzle of fruity olive oil if you’re feeling fancy. A crack of black pepper on top never hurts, either. These quick touches make One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce sing and look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this dish is plenty hearty on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette brightens the entire meal. Warm, crusty Italian bread (for sopping up every drop of sauce) is basically non-negotiable. Want more veggies? Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or grilled asparagus round things out in a snap—giving you a full restaurant vibe at home.

Creative Ways to Present

This One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce looks spectacular served straight from your prettiest pot in the center of the table—family-style and inviting. For date night, try plating in wide bowls, twirling the rigatoni for height and drama, then garnishing with basil and a dusting of Parmesan. Entertaining a crowd? Portion into small ramekins or mini casseroles for a playful twist, complete with a little flag of basil in each.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of this dreamy pasta left (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, and it’ll stay fabulous for up to 3 days—a perfect lunch or quick dinner for busy weekdays. The flavors only get richer as they mingle and settle overnight.

Freezing

One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce freezes well, though sauces with cream can sometimes change in texture a little after thawing. To freeze, simply spoon cooled pasta into airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and use within a month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover rigatoni on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring in between to distribute the heat. Top freshly warmed servings with extra Parmesan and basil to bring back the vibrant flavors and creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, penne, ziti, or large shells are all great options in this One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce. Just watch the cooking time, as different pastas may need a little less or more time to become al dente.

Does the pink sauce taste really creamy or more like tomato?

The beauty of this sauce is its balance—there’s definitely a luxuriously creamy texture, but the tomato base keeps it bright and tangy. It’s a true collaboration between the two, so you get richness without it feeling heavy. The Parmesan at the end ties it all together with a savory touch.

Can I add vegetables or protein to make it heartier?

Without a doubt! Stir in cooked sausage or rotisserie chicken for more protein, or add a few handfuls of baby spinach in the last few minutes for a pop of color and greens. This One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce is the perfect blank canvas for your favorite add-ins.

How can I make this lighter?

If you want to cut down on richness, swap in half-and-half or whole milk for some or all of the heavy cream. The sauce will still have that characteristic pink hue and silky mouthfeel, just a bit lighter on the palate (and calories).

Is this recipe spicy?

By default, it’s mild and crowd-pleasing, but the optional red pepper flakes let you decide on the level of heat. Leave them out for a kid-friendly dinner, or dial them up for a light but noticeable kick in each bite.

Final Thoughts

If homemade comfort food is your love language, you’ll find yourself returning to One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce time and again. The dreamy sauce, the ease of one-pot cooking, and the pure joy of twirling up big, saucy noodles—it’s all here. Don’t be surprised if this recipe joins your family’s regular rotation. Try it tonight and share the cheesy, rosy magic with someone you love!

One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce recipe is a simple and delicious dish that combines the flavors of a rich tomato sauce with creamy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant and softened.
Add Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add rigatoni to the sauce, cover, and simmer until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy. Garnish with basil and serve.