Description
A bold and fiery pasta dish featuring rigatoni coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with the heat of Calabrian chili paste. Perfect for spice lovers looking for a quick and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 6 oz Italian sausage or pancetta, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add heat: Stir in the Calabrian chili paste, adjusting the amount to your spice preference. If using, add crumbled Italian sausage or pancetta and cook until browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to develop its flavors.
- Add creaminess: Stir in heavy cream and butter, mixing well to create a rich, silky texture.
- Combine with pasta: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, gradually adding reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Finish with cheese and herbs: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a final burst of flavor.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant.
- Extra protein: Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-free: Substitute traditional pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Spicy pasta, Calabrian chili rigatoni, creamy tomato pasta, Italian spicy pasta, easy weeknight pasta.