Description
This creamy and fiery Spicy Rigatoni is a bold twist on a comfort classic, made with rich tomato paste, velvety cream, and a punch of red pepper heat. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta: 12 ounces – Its ridges and hollow center soak up every drop of sauce.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – Used to sauté aromatics and add richness.
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced – Brings a bold, fragrant base.
- Shallot: 1 medium, finely chopped – Adds delicate sweetness and depth.
- Tomato paste: 3 tablespoons – Concentrated umami and deep color.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1 to 1½ teaspoons – The source of that signature heat.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup – Transforms everything into velvety perfection.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Balances the flavors.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon – Adds subtle warmth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup – Brings salty, nutty richness.
- Reserved pasta water: ½ to 1 cup – Helps emulsify the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped – For garnish and a fresh pop.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Get your sauté pan ready on medium heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Heat olive oil in the pan. Sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until darkened slightly and caramelized.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Once water is boiling, cook rigatoni until just al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Assemble the Dish: To the tomato base, stir in red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add heavy cream, whisking to combine. Simmer until thickened slightly.
- Cook to Perfection: Toss in cooked rigatoni and a splash of reserved pasta water. Add Parmesan. Stir and let it all mingle for 2–3 minutes until creamy and glossy.
- Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley if using.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate it hot and creamy with extra cheese on top. Watch it disappear.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water before draining — it’s essential for sauce texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Spicy Rigatoni, Creamy Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Vegetarian Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe