One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

If you crave pasta dishes that are incredibly cozy, deeply flavorful, and come together with minimal fuss, this One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is your new weeknight hero. Imagine perfectly al dente rigatoni soaking up a rich, meaty tomato sauce, all simmered together for ultimate flavor with hardly any cleanup!

The sauce is savory, aromatic, and just the right amount of creamy, thanks to a finish of luscious Parmesan and a splash of cream. It's a dinner that's both family-friendly and worthy of dinner guests.

Whether you need a stress-free meal on a busy night or want to impress at your next casual gathering, this hearty recipe delivers comfort and joy fast. Plus, it's inspired by my love for classic Italian bolognese with a modern, fuss-free twist-just one pot and done!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy, fuss-free cleanup-everything cooks in one pot!
• Rich, savory bolognese sauce coats every bite of pasta.
• Family-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients for One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the star of this bolognese, infusing the entire dish with deep, savory flavor. Be sure to choose lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference for richness. For an even lighter version, ground turkey or chicken work too, though they yield a slightly milder taste.

Rigatoni

Rigatoni is perfect for this recipe, with its sturdy shape and ridges that cling to the hearty sauce. If you can't find rigatoni, penne or ziti are good stand-ins, though cooking times may vary slightly. Always check your pasta is al dente before serving.

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes provide the luscious, tangy backbone to the sauce. Opt for good-quality canned crushed tomatoes for consistent flavor and texture. If you like, swap in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, though the final sauce may be smoother or chunkier accordingly.

Onion and Garlic

Classic aromatics like onion and garlic build the flavor base for this bolognese. Dice your onion finely and mince the garlic for even, aromatic results. Shallots can substitute for a sweeter flavor, and garlic powder works in a pinch, though fresh always shines.

Milk or Cream

A splash of milk or cream stirred in at the end gives this sauce its signature silkiness. Whole milk or heavy cream makes for a richer finish, but you can use half-and-half or even omit for a lighter version. Unsweetened oat or almond milk can work for a dairy-free option-just note the sauce will be less creamy.

Instructions for One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, just until fragrant-be careful not to let it burn!

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and starts to get some browning. Drain off any excess fat if needed.

Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the paste deepens in color and the spices smell fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Simmer with the Pasta

Add the uncooked rigatoni, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, about 15 to 18 minutes. Add a splash more broth or water if the mixture looks dry as the pasta cooks.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the milk or cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until the sauce is creamy and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped herbs. Enjoy your delicious, one-pot masterpiece!

Recipe Variations

Make It Lighter

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein. You'll still get plenty of flavor with a lighter feel.

Veggie-Forward Option

Replace the meat altogether with plant-based ground "beef" or add finely chopped mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty, meatless bolognese that even carnivores will love.

Gluten-Free Twist

Use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or penne. Be sure to use a gentle hand when stirring, as some gluten-free pastas can be more delicate.

Extra Kick of Flavor

Amp up the spice by adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also stir in a splash of red wine with the crushed tomatoes for even richer flavor.

Dairy-Free Version

Skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free milk or unsweetened oat creamer at the finish. Sprinkle with your favorite vegan Parmesan alternative before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Round out this comforting dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette and some warm, crusty garlic bread. For an extra pop of freshness and color, don't forget to finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil and a twist of black pepper.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through. This pasta freezes well too-portion into freezer bags or containers and freeze up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese (FAQ)

A: Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or medium shells all work well. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for al dente texture.

A: You can prepare the bolognese sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready, bring it to a simmer, add the pasta, and cook as directed.

A: Finely chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell pepper can all be sautéed with the onion for more nutrition and depth of flavor.

Enjoy the simplicity and savory comfort of this One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese-perfect for cozy nights or feeding a group with minimal dishes to wash! If you give it a try, let me know in the comments or leave a rating below. Happy cooking!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 194 ratings

One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

yield: 6 servings

prep: 15 min

cook: 30 min

total: 45 min

One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty, savory pasta dish with rich tomato flavor and tender beef, ready in under an hour with easy cleanup.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth (plus more as needed)
• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
2. 2
   Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it's no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. 3
   Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste darken in color.
4. 4
   Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add the uncooked rigatoni, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the pasta is mostly covered.
5. 5
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring every few minutes, for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened. If needed, add extra broth to keep the pasta covered.
6. 6
   Stir in milk or cream and Parmesan. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. 7
   Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 522 cal

Protein: 27g

Fat: 20g

Total Carbs: 56g

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

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