Spicy Rigatoni
Creamy, bold, and packed with a kick of heat pasta dish to ignite your taste buds.
Spicy Rigatoni is a luxurious pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni coated in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce. Infused with chili flakes and rich Parmesan cheese, this recipe perfectly balances heat and creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil complete the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties or a comforting meal at home. It’s a quick, flavor-packed recipe that pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
Recipe
Ingredients:
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine.
Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
Transfer the spicy rigatoni to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, additional Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
