This rigatoni with secret sauce is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tomato sauce with the aromatic touch of garlic and oregano. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a favorite for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to ensure you have rigatoni pasta and parmesan cheese on hand. Rigatoni is a type of pasta that is larger and ridged, perfect for holding onto the sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the dish, so make sure to pick up a good quality one from the supermarket.

Ingredients for Rigatoni with Secret Sauce
Rigatoni: A type of pasta that is large and ridged, ideal for holding onto the sauce.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the sauce.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce when cooked until translucent.
Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Tomato sauce: The base of the sauce, giving it a rich and tangy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the sauce.
Oregano: A dried herb that brings an earthy and slightly bitter flavor to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Grated over the top of the dish, adding a savory and umami-rich finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the onion and garlic, make sure to cook them over medium heat to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your sauce. Stir frequently and keep a close eye on the skillet to ensure they become perfectly translucent and fragrant before adding the tomato sauce.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rigatoni - Substitute with penne: Penne has a similar shape and texture, making it a good alternative for holding the sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can enhance the sauce.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it has a more concentrated flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a similar consistency and can be seasoned to taste.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil provides a different but complementary herbal note to the sauce.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier, tangier flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the rigatoni with secret sauce to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
- Transfer the cooled rigatoni to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of pasta closely to minimize air exposure.
- If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The rigatoni will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the rigatoni in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored.
- When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, transfer the rigatoni to a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- If frozen, thaw the rigatoni in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat using the microwave method or transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot.
- To refresh the flavors, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a bit more tomato sauce when reheating. This will help keep the pasta moist and enhance the taste.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving to restore that delightful cheesy finish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
- Add the leftover rigatoni with secret sauce to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon of water or tomato sauce to loosen it up.
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the rigatoni with secret sauce to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional grated parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Microwave Method
- Place the rigatoni with secret sauce in a microwave-safe container.
- Add a splash of water or tomato sauce to keep the pasta moist.
- Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated evenly.
Double Boiler Method
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a heatproof bowl over the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
- Add the rigatoni with secret sauce to the bowl.
- Stir occasionally, allowing the steam to gently reheat the pasta for about 10-15 minutes.
- This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish without drying it out.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked rigatoni.
Large skillet: Needed to heat the olive oil and cook the sauce.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the onions, garlic, and sauce.
Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese.
Serving spoon: Handy for tossing the rigatoni with the sauce and serving the dish.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-made sauce: Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce to cut down on preparation time.
Cook pasta efficiently: Boil the rigatoni while you prepare the sauce to streamline the process.
Measure spices beforehand: Have the salt, black pepper, and oregano ready to go for quick seasoning.
Grate cheese early: Grate the parmesan cheese before starting to cook so it's ready to top the dish.
Rigatoni with Secret Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400 g Rigatoni
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 400 g Tomato Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Oregano dried
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- 1. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- 3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 4. Pour in the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- 5. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- 6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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