Brrr! That wind is serious tonight, isn’t it? When those cold evenings roll in and all you want is a hug in a bowl, that’s when you absolutely need some *Cozy Pasta Recipes For Cold Evenings*. Personally, I still remember one winter evening when the first frost had settled on the windows, and the air outside smelled of pine and cold earth. I came home tired and chilled to the bone, craving something comforting but simple. I opened the pantry, found a box of penne, a few cloves of garlic, and a splash of cream — and before long, the kitchen filled with the scent of bubbling sauce and toasted Parmesan. Sitting down with that warm bowl of creamy pasta felt like pressing pause on the world for a moment. That’s the magic of cozy pasta recipes — they remind you that comfort doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just a few ingredients, a little love, and the quiet joy of a good meal shared. Tonight, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorites: a ridiculously creamy sun-dried tomato rigatoni with shrimp that’s ready before you can even finish your hot chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni
Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver on those nights when you’re craving something amazing but don’t have a ton of energy. Here’s why it’s a go-to for me:
- It’s Super Speedy: We’re talking deliciousness in under 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight!
- Crazy Easy to Make: Most of it happens in one skillet, which means less mess and more time for relaxing.
- Packed with Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy sauce are a match made in heaven.
- Pure Comfort: It’s rich, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Exactly what you need on a cold evening.
Gather Your Ingredients for Cozy Pasta Recipes For Cold Evenings
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for this comforting bowl of goodness. Having everything prepped makes cooking so much smoother, especially when you’re just trying to warm up. Trust me on this one, grabbing everything now means less stress later when you’re already dreaming of that first creamy bite. We’re using some fantastic flavors here that really sing together!
- For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, sliced (save about 4 Tbsp. of that lovely oil, divided!)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed (pat ’em dry for best searing!)
- 16 oz rigatoni or penne pasta (your favorite shape works great!)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (don’t be shy with the garlic!)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for how much spice you like)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is key for that luscious texture)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (5-oz.) pkg baby spinach (it wilts down like magic!)
- 1 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, torn, for serving (adds a pop of freshness!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Cozy Pasta Recipes For Cold Evenings
Okay, let’s get this cozy masterpiece made! It really flies together, and before you know it, you’ll have a steaming bowl of pure comfort. Follow these steps and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this fantastic meal.
Perfectly Cook Your Pasta
Pop your rigatoni or penne into a big pot of boiling, salted water. Stir it now and then so nothing sticks. Cook it just until it’s al dente – you know, that perfect bite that’s not too soft. Drain it well, but don’t rinse it!
Building the Flavorful Sauce for Your Cozy Pasta
Grab that same big skillet you used for the shrimp (less dishes, yay!) and heat up 2 tablespoons of that reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped garlic, the tomato paste, and those little red pepper flakes. Stir it all around for about a minute until the tomato paste gets a deeper, richer color. This step really wakes up the flavors! Then, add in your sliced sun-dried tomatoes, the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up a bit. Now, toss in that baby spinach and watch it wilt down in just a minute or two. It looks like a lot, but it cooks down so fast!
Bringing It All Together: The Final Cozy Pasta Dish
Time for the grand finale! Add your nicely drained pasta, the cooked shrimp, and that grated Parmesan right into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until all those lovely rigatoni are swimming in that glossy, creamy sauce. Give it a taste and add salt and fresh black pepper if you think it needs it. The recipe says to cover it and let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes – trust me, this little rest makes the sauce cling to the pasta even better. Give it one final stir, and it’s ready to go.
Tips for Success with Cozy Pasta Recipes For Cold Evenings
You know, making a truly fantastic cozy pasta isn’t just about following steps; it’s about a few little tricks that make all the difference. Especially when you’re trying to coax maximum flavor out of simple ingredients on a cold night, these tips are my go-to. They’re small things, but they really elevate a good dish to an absolutely *outstanding* one. Think of them as my little secrets for getting that perfect, comforting result every single time.
First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients. Using good sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, for instance, makes a world of difference compared to dry ones. And please, please use real, good-quality Parmesan cheese – the stuff you grate yourself is miles better than the pre-shredded kind. Also, remember the shrimp? Patting them dry before cooking helps them get a nice little sear instead of just steaming. And for the pasta itself, always cook it just a minute or two shy of package directions. It’ll finish cooking in that hot sauce, and nobody likes mushy pasta, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you might be missing just the right thing, or maybe you want to swap something out! No worries, this recipe is super forgiving. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, you can use dry-packed ones, but definitely rehydrate them in warm water first. And if shrimp isn’t your jam or you can’t find any, cooked chicken or even white beans would be a delicious swap. Just toss them in at the end with the pasta to warm through. For the Parmesan, any hard, salty cheese will do in a pinch, but that Italian classic really boosts the flavor!
Serving and Storing Your Cozy Pasta
This creamy rigatoni is pretty fantastic all on its own, but serving it up with a crusty garlic bread to sop up that extra sauce? Pure bliss! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also cuts through the richness beautifully. If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 2-3 days. To reheat, I like to gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, maybe adding a tiny splash of broth or cream to loosen things up. Microwaving works too, just stir it halfway through!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Pasta
Got questions about whipping up some cozy pasta magic? I’ve got you covered! It’s all about making things easy and delicious for those chilly nights so you can just relax and enjoy.
Can I make this a true one-pot pasta?
Oh, I love a good one-pot wonder! For this recipe, the pasta itself is cooked separately to get that perfect texture. However, the sauce and everything else is made right in one skillet, which really cuts down on dishes. You could technically cook the pasta right in the sauce if you cook it *way* al dente and add extra liquid, but it’s a bit trickier to nail the texture that way. This way is pretty darn close to one-pot and guarantees amazing results!
What other pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Honestly, rigatoni and penne are fantastic because their tubes and ridges are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce. But don’t stop there! Any short pasta shape with nooks and crannies will be amazing. Think farfalle (bow ties), rotini, gemelli, or even cavatappi. Just make sure they cook up al dente so they don’t get lost in the deliciousness!
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Making this vegetarian is super easy! Just skip the shrimp entirely. You could add in some extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some cannellini beans for heartiness. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind for creaminess) and use a good quality vegan Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a salty kick, so a nutritional yeast sprinkle can help mimic that cheesy flavor too!
Is it okay to use different types of oil?
You bet! While the sun-dried tomato oil adds a special flavor layer, regular olive oil or even a neutral vegetable oil will work just fine if you don’t have that. Just make sure you’ve got enough for sautéing the garlic and creating the base of that rich sauce. Sometimes I even use a little butter with the olive oil for extra richness!
About the Author: Aria Russell
By Aria Russell is an accomplished Recipe Developer, culinary writer, and digital food educator passionate about helping home cooks create memorable meals with ease and confidence. With a career built on recipe innovation, kitchen experimentation, and food storytelling, Aria has become known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into dishes that are vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Today, she proudly contributes to grevva.com, where her recipes empower readers to cook smarter, eat better, and enjoy every step of the process.
Aria’s culinary journey began in local cafés and farm-to-table kitchens, where she spent her early career refining her skills in seasonal cooking, flavor building, and kitchen efficiency. Driven by a love for teaching and creativity, she transitioned from the back of the house into culinary content and recipe writing, eventually building a portfolio of step-by-step guides, family-friendly recipes, and educational cooking resources. Her ability to blend professional kitchen knowledge with approachable cooking techniques quickly set her apart in the food media world.
Share Your Cozy Pasta Creations!
I just love seeing what you all whip up in your kitchens! Did you try this creamy rigatoni tonight? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below to let me know how it turned out, or even better, give it a rating! If you shared your masterpiece on social media, don’t forget to tag me so I can see your cozy creations. You can also reach out through our contact page – I’m always happy to hear from you!
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 Tbsp. tomato oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate or bowl.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package instructions. Drain.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, cook garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and remaining 2 Tbsp. tomato oil, stirring, until tomato paste deepens in color, about 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes, broth, cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly reduces, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add pasta, shrimp, and Parmesan to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until pasta is coated and sauce is glossy; season with salt and black pepper. Remove skillet from heat, cover, and let it sit 2 to 3 minutes. Stir pasta again to coat.
- Divide pasta and shrimp among bowls. Top with basil and more Parmesan.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Aria Russell is an accomplished Recipe Developer, culinary writer, and digital food educator passionate about helping home cooks create memorable meals with ease and confidence. With a career built on recipe innovation, kitchen experimentation, and food storytelling, Aria has become known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into dishes that are vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Today, she proudly contributes to grevva.com, where her recipes empower readers to cook smarter, eat better, and enjoy every step of the process.
Aria’s culinary journey began in local cafés and farm-to-table kitchens, where she spent her early career refining her skills in seasonal cooking, flavor building, and kitchen efficiency. Driven by a love for teaching and creativity, she transitioned from the back of the house into culinary content and recipe writing, eventually building a portfolio of step-by-step guides, family-friendly recipes, and educational cooking resources. Her ability to blend professional kitchen knowledge with approachable cooking techniques quickly set her apart in the food media world.
Over the years, Aria has collaborated with food startups, cooking instructors, and kitchenware brands to develop recipes and digital content for both beginner and seasoned home cooks. Her work has been shared across online food communities and featured in curated recipe collections for its clarity, inspiration, and consistently delicious results. She is recognized for her thoughtful approach to recipe testing and her dedication to helping readers understand the “why” behind every technique—not just the steps.
