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Rigatoni Rosa—Creamy, Dreamy Pasta Without the Regret

  • Writer: Roshan SampathKumar
    Roshan SampathKumar
  • Jun 23
  • 2 min read

You can have your creamy pasta and still keep it light. This rigatoni in a pink tomato cream sauce is the kind of comfort food that looks like it should wreck your calorie count—but with a few smart swaps, it doesn’t. Cozy, cheesy, and surprisingly balanced.

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Comfort Food Made Smarter I love a big bowl of rigatoni drenched in sauce, but traditional vodka or cream-based pasta can be super heavy. This version dials it back with a Greek yogurt base instead of heavy cream and keeps things lean with a tomato-forward sauce and just enough cheese to satisfy. The result? A creamy pasta dish that won’t leave you in a carb coma.

Perfect for a solo night in, a low-key dinner party, or meal prep that doesn’t taste like meal prep.


🍅 Ingredients Breakdown:

  • Rigatoni (whole wheat or regular)

  • Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes

  • Garlic, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning

  • Greek yogurt or light cream cheese (instead of heavy cream)

  • Parmesan or mozzarella, freshly grated

  • Olive oil

  • Fresh parsley for garnish


🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook the rigatoni: Al dente is the way to go.

  2. Start the sauce: Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil until fragrant.

  3. Add tomatoes: Mix in tomato paste or crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Let it simmer.

  4. Cream it up: Lower heat and stir in Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. Don’t boil!

  5. Toss in pasta: Coat the rigatoni in that silky sauce.

  6. Finish with cheese: Stir in parmesan and top with fresh parsley.


❓FAQ

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?Yep—use a dairy-free yogurt and vegan cheese alternative.

Q: Will Greek yogurt curdle?Not if you keep the heat low and add it slowly while stirring.

Q: Can I add protein?Totally. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms are great here.


📝 Recipe CardLighter Rigatoni Rosa (Serves 2–3)

  • 8 oz rigatoni

  • 2 tsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes

  • 1/2 cup tomato paste or crushed tomatoes

  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or light cream cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley to garnish


Creamy doesn’t have to mean heavy. This pasta proves it.

 
 
 

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