Try Our Zingy Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a quick and delectable solution, and this radiatore pasta in creamy tomato sauce delivers pure comfort with minimal effort.

Pasta shapes play a crucial role in capturing every drop of the luscious sauce.

The radiatore’s ridged texture perfectly hugs the rich, velvety blend of tomatoes and cream.

Each twirl of pasta promises a burst of savory goodness that makes taste buds dance with delight.

Vibrant red hues and smooth, silky consistency elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Weeknight cooking has never been more satisfying or straightforward.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta experience.

Why Radiatore Pasta in Tomato Sauce Is So Satisfying

• Quickly Conquer the Kitchen: This recipe offers super simple steps that even beginner cooks can master without stress. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed – just basic ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adapt the dish with personal touches like adding extra spice, swapping cream for lighter alternatives, or tossing in extra vegetables. The versatile sauce welcomes creative variations that match individual taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to satisfy all ages with its rich, velvety sauce and classic pasta texture. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the comforting, familiar flavors that make this meal feel like an instant classic at the dinner table.

Ingredients for Creamy Radiatore Pasta

• Radiatore Pasta: Cute little ridged pasta that hugs the sauce perfectly.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich and vibrant base for a delicious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth and luxurious ingredient that makes the sauce creamy.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-packed duo that creates a delicious foundation.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic seasonings that bring depth and spice.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds authentic mediterranean flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth oil for sautéing and building flavor.
• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs that brighten the final dish.

How to Prepare Radiatore in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot of water bubbling with salt.

Drop in the radiatore pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain and set aside, letting it wait for its saucy companion.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Grab a skillet and pour in olive oil, heating it to a gentle medium warmth.

Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and see-through, about 4-5 minutes.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick 1-2 minutes, releasing its mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Tomato Base

Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring with love.

Let the sauce simmer and get cozy for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and become best friends.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (if you're craving a spicy kick)

Step 4: Transform into Creamy Magnificence

Lower the heat and slowly introduce heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Taste and adjust seasonings, making sure every bite is a flavor explosion.

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning for an extra flavor punch.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked radiatore into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every pasta ridge gets a perfect coating of deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Flourish

For a fresh finish, scatter some chopped basil or parsley on top.

Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and absolutely irresistible!

Cooking Tips for Rich Tomato Pasta Sauce

• Salt the boiling water generously to enhance the pasta's flavor from within, creating a more delicious base for your entire dish.
• Control the thickness by adding pasta water gradually if the sauce becomes too dense, helping you achieve the perfect creamy texture without compromising flavor.
• Lower the heat when adding heavy cream and stir continuously to ensure a smooth, silky sauce without any unwanted separation.
• Modify the spiciness by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a more intense kick that suits your taste preferences.
• Chop basil or parsley right before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color that transforms the dish's visual and taste profile.

How to Store and Warm Radiatore Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to redistribute sauce evenly.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Complements Radiatore Pasta Well

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the creamy tomato sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the dish's savory flavors.
• Create Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare a crispy garlic bread with fresh herbs like parsley and oregano, which will provide a crunchy texture contrast and absorb the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, offering a peppery, tangy counterpoint to the creamy pasta's richness.
• Serve with Crisp White Wine: Choose a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that will balance the sauce's creaminess and provide a bright, clean palate cleanser between bites.

Fun Pasta Styles for Radiatore and Sauce

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap radiatore pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein like white beans or lentils to increase the nutritional value. Sauté the protein with onions and garlic before adding tomatoes.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Maintain the creamy tomato sauce and adjust cooking time for vegetable noodles.

FAQs

• What makes radiatore pasta unique in this recipe?

Radiatore pasta has a ruffled, ridged shape that looks like a radiator, which helps it grip the creamy tomato sauce exceptionally well. These little “ridges” catch and hold more sauce in each bite, creating a more flavorful eating experience.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly heavy cream and avoid adding any non-vegetarian ingredients. It’s a naturally meat-free dish that focuses on the rich flavors of tomatoes and cream.

• How can I prevent the cream from curdling when adding it to the tomato sauce?

Lower the heat to low before adding the cream and stir continuously. This gradual, gentle incorporation helps prevent separation and ensures a smooth, silky sauce. Adding the cream slowly and at a lower temperature is key to maintaining the sauce’s creamy texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is mild by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a small pinch and adjust according to your spice tolerance. The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily control the spice level to suit your preference.

Radiatore Pasta In Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Radiatore pasta weaves Italian culinary magic through a luxurious creamy tomato sauce, blending rustic charm with silky elegance. Comfort meets sophistication in this quick, hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 radiatore pasta

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge radiatore pasta, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving it for later integration with the sauce.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions, gently sautéing until they transform into a translucent, soft texture. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the oil for a brief moment.
3. Stream crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Allow the mixture to simmer, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify. Enhance with salt, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
4. Reduce the heat to a gentle setting and gradually incorporate heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a luxurious, velvety consistency. Fine-tune the seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Consider sprinkling Italian seasoning for an additional depth of taste.
5. Transfer the perfectly cooked radiatore pasta directly into the sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta ridge becomes completely enrobed in the creamy tomato blend.
6. For a final flourish, scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley across the surface. Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and creamiest moment.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture and adds a subtle nutty undertone.
• Toast whole dried chili flakes briefly in the skillet before adding to intensify their smoky, complex heat and distribute flavor more evenly.
• Choose radiatore pasta with ridges and curves to capture more sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with rich, creamy tomato goodness.
• Enhance protein content by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, crispy pancetta, or plant-based protein crumbles directly into the sauce before combining with pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg