Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sophistication—One Pan Rigatoni in Red Wine Tomato Sauce! This Italian-inspired recipe combines the rich depth of red wine with the vibrant taste of crushed tomatoes, all cooked to perfection in just one pan. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you sauté onions and garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. With only 40 minutes from prep to plate, this meal is not just easy but also a showstopper that will impress your guests. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right at home!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Measure out all other ingredients before starting cooking.
- Select a large, deep skillet or sauté pan with high sides. Heat the pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer and reduce by half, which helps concentrate the flavors and cook off the alcohol, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the dry rigatoni directly into the sauce. Pour in enough water to almost cover the pasta, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken during this time.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and serve hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make your cooking process even smoother, chop the onions and mince the garlic in advance. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.
- Choose Quality Wine: The flavor of the red wine significantly impacts the sauce. Opt for a good-quality wine that you would enjoy drinking, as this will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the red wine to simmer and reduce properly is crucial. This step concentrates the flavors and ensures the alcohol cooks off, giving you a rich, robust sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick while cooking the rigatoni, feel free to add a splash more water or broth. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so keep an eye on it!
- Fresh Basil is Key: For the best flavor, use fresh basil as a garnish. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the dish with its aromatic freshness.
- Serve with Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving the rigatoni with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side. It complements the dish beautifully and adds a creamy richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
