Name: Rigatoni with Creamy Brandy Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil; 2 shallots, finely minced; 8 cloves garlic, finely minced; Kosher salt to taste; ½ cup tomato paste; ¼ cup brandy (or apple cider vinegar mixed with broth); 1 lb rigatoni; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 large sprigs fresh oregano; 20 cracks of fresh black pepper; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Why Make This Recipe

Rigatoni with Creamy Brandy Tomato Sauce is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences, making it suitable for everyone at the table.

Let’s face it—some weeknights can feel like a whirlwind. Between homework, sports practices, and getting everyone fed, who has time to fuss over complicated recipes? This rigatoni dish is designed for busy evenings. It comes together in about 30 minutes, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

How to Make Rigatoni with Creamy Brandy Tomato Sauce

Here’s how you can whip up this delightful dish without any stress:

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
2 shallots, finely minced
8 cloves garlic, finely minced
Kosher salt to taste
½ cup tomato paste
¼ cup brandy (you can substitute this with apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of broth)
1 lb rigatoni
1 cup heavy cream
2 large sprigs fresh oregano
20 cracks of fresh black pepper
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Directions

Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. This will be for your pasta.
While that’s heating up, grab a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot and set it over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, toss in the minced shallots and garlic. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they caramelize and get tender. Stir often and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them.
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute. Then, pour in the brandy (or your substitute). Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Once your water is boiling, drop the rigatoni in there and stir. Cook according to the package instructions, but stop one minute early.
Back to your sauce! Stir the cream into the tomato mixture and add the oregano sprigs and a good amount of black pepper. Let it all simmer on low for about 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Right before you drain the pasta, scoop out a ½ cup of pasta water. Then drain the pasta, and add it to the sauce along with that reserved water.
Stir everything together well. Gradually add in the parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and coats the pasta. If the sauce feels too loose, turn up the heat a bit and keep stirring. If it’s too thick, just add a little more pasta water.
Finally, remove the oregano sprigs. Dish up the pasta with extra parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of black pepper.

How to Serve Rigatoni with Creamy Brandy Tomato Sauce

Serve this dish warm, right from the pot. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Don’t forget to let the kids sprinkle extra cheese on their plates; it’s all about making each plate feel special and inviting.

How to Store Rigatoni with Creamy Brandy Tomato Sauce

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, let’s be honest!), cool the pasta completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce a bit, and microwave or heat it on the stovetop until warm.

Tips to Make Rigatoni with Creamy Brandy Tomato Sauce

Prep Ahead: Chop your shallots and garlic ahead of time. This way, you can throw everything together quickly when it’s time to cook.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the brandy and use vegetable broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar for depth of flavor.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked diced chicken or sautéed mushrooms. Either option blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Variation

Feel free to switch up the cheese! You can use pecorino romano for a sharper taste. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you have on hand will work. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, but the sauce may be less rich. Simply reduce the amount for a lighter touch.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure to cool it first, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 months.

Enjoy your family time and delicious meal with this rigatoni recipe!