Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni is a deliciously comforting pasta dish that brings together the creamy richness of eggs, cheese, and sour cream, combined with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and parsley. Inspired by Grandma’s traditional recipe, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. The Rigatoni pasta, with its tube-like shape, soaks up the creamy sauce, making every bite a burst of flavor. It’s simple, quick, and the kind of comfort food that makes you feel right at home. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering pasta dish step by step!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 150 grams Rigatoni Pasta
• 1 liter boiling water
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and flavor)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (as many as you like)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Dried garlic, a dash (or 1/4 teaspoon)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 100 grams cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• A knob of butter (about 1 tablespoon)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the water.
2. Cook Rigatoni: Add 150 grams of Rigatoni pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the pasta is firm but tender.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Onions: In a separate large pan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft, translucent, and fragrant.
2. Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk Eggs: In a bowl, crack and whisk together 4 eggs. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of dried garlic (or about 1/4 teaspoon) to the eggs. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add Sour Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Add Egg Mixture to Pan: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour the egg mixture into the pan with the sautéed onions and tomatoes. Stir continuously to ensure the eggs cook gently and mix well with the other ingredients, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling.
2. Melt Cheese: Add half of the grated cheese to the pan and continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. This should take about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk or water to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Mix in Pasta

1. Combine with Rigatoni: Add the cooked Rigatoni pasta to the pan, making sure to mix well so that each piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
2. Add Fresh Parsley and Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley and the remaining grated cheese over the pasta. This adds both flavor and a touch of color to the dish.

Step 6: Final Cooking

1. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the pasta simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish.
2. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Transfer the creamy cheesy Rigatoni to serving plates. Garnish with a bit more fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of Grandma’s secret recipe!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of Rigatoni?

• Absolutely! While Rigatoni is great for soaking up the sauce, you can use other types like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?

• Cheddar and mozzarella work wonderfully, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, or even cream cheese for a creamier texture.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce and combine with freshly boiled pasta.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

• For those who like a bit of heat, you can add some red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the Rigatoni until it is just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Stir Continuously: When adding the egg mixture to the pan, stir continuously to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and fresh parsley add a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried garlic as per your preference.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess.
• Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.

Conclusion:

Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With a rich, creamy sauce, fresh ingredients, and a touch of Grandma’s magic, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish will surely leave everyone asking for seconds. So next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy and satisfying, give this recipe a try and bring a taste of homemade comfort to your table. Enjoy!