There’s no better way to indulge in this extra hot tomato girl summer than with a grated tomato sauce that’s just as juicy and bold as you are. This recipe is all about texture: the beefiest tomatoes you can find (yes, size does matter here), a strong hand (but ideally two) for grating, and thick rigatoni tubes built to catch every steamy, slippery drop.
Our August 2025 box subscribers can also toss in a sprinkle of Conza’s Sourdough breadcrumbs, a round of the Pasta Time Conversation Game, and some perfectly timed al dente turn-on tunes — for one very hot and saucy night in.
What You’ll Need to Set the Mood
- 1 lb Please Send Noods Rigatoni
- 4 Large Beefsteak Tomatoes
- 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 5 tbsp Salt
- 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Conza Classic Italian & Parmesan Sourdough Breadcrumbs, to taste
- Date Night Surprise: Pasta Time Conversation Game
- Musical Mood-Setter: Our Al Dente-Approved Playlist
Let’s Get Saucy: Step-by-Step
1. Get the Pasta Going
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add the rigatoni once it’s rolling. Now’s a good time to start our playlist to cook to al dente perfection (about 13-15 minutes).
2. Grate the Tomatoes
Grate the tomatoes on the large holes of a box grater straight into a bowl, ditching the skins when you get down to the end. Season with a generous pinch of salt and set aside.
🔥 Hot Tip: Let it Burn… or Not
Add a pinch of sugar to your grated tomatoes to soften the acidity, or toss in some red chili flakes to turn up the heat!
3. Build the Base
In a wide, shallow sauté pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it turns golden and nuttily fragrant.
4. Simmer It Down
Pour the grated tomato mixture into the pan with the garlic. Let it simmer on low heat while the pasta finishes cooking — the tomatoes should reduce and change color, but don’t let them completely dry out!
🔥 Hot Tip: Make It Meaty
Want to turn this into a heartier dish? Sauté some hot Italian sausage in the pan before adding the tomatoes.
5. Toss in the Noods
Drain the pasta and drop it hot into the simmering sauce. Add butter and toss everything together until the sauce clings to the rigatoni and the whole pan looks glossy and delicious.
🔥 Hot Tip: No Juice? No Problem.
If your tomato sauce simmered too hard, fill up a mugful of the salted pasta water before draining and splash a little in when you’re doing the final toss.
6. Finish and Flirt
Plate it up, then sprinkle with Conza breadcrumbs for the perfect crispy contrast. Don’t forget to keep the connection simmering with a round of Pasta Time Conversation Game.
🔥 Hot Tip: Be Extra on Top
Tear fresh mozzarella and basil over each bowl for a lush, colorful finish. You deserve it.
Want More Where That Came Frrom?
If this recipe got you all hot and saucy, don’t stop now — join Please Send Noods to get more cheeky recipes, premium small-batch pasta, and other flirty extras delivered right to your door every month.