When it comes to pasta, there’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of rigatoni. Its large, ridged shape captures sauces beautifully, making every bite a flavor-packed experience.
What happens when you take the classic rigatoni and add a spicy twist? You get a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving seconds. Welcome to my Spicy Rigatoni recipe – a dish that combines the heat of spicy Italian sausage with the lusciousness of a creamy tomato vodka sauce.
Happy Cooking!
Spicy Rigatoni
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this indulgent Spicy Rigatoni recipe. It's a delightful blend of spicy Italian sausage, a rich and creamy tomato vodka sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. Let's dive into the culinary adventure!| Cook with Paolo |
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Sauté Pan
Ingredients
- 3-4 Spicy Italian Sausages, casing removed and crumbled.
- 1 Large White Onion, diced
- 4-5 Garlic cloves, finely diced
- 2 Tbsp Chili Flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 Can Tomato Paste
- ½ Cup Vodka
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Tbsp Butter
- ½ Cup Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
- 2 Packs Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
- Brown the Spicy Italian Sausage:In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until it's browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Chili Flakes:In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and chili flakes, and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Create the Tomato Vodka Sauce:Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir it into the onion mixture. Let the tomato paste cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces by half. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is well combined and begins to thicken. Add the butter to the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Rigatoni:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook 2 minutes less from the package directions (you will finish cooking the pasta in the sauce). Save about 2-3 cups of pasta water to add to the pasta and sauce.
- Combine the Rigatoni and sauce:Toss in the cooked rigatoni pasta along with a cup of the pasta water to the sauce, mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. (May need to add more pasta water to make the sauce more creamy)
- Serve and Enjoy!Serve the Spicy Rigatoni hot, garnished with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and optional chopped parsley.
- Conclusion:With each mouthful of this Spicy Rigatoni, you'll savour the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and pasta perfection. It's a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Enjoy your flavourful journey into Italian cuisine!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @cookwithpaolo on Instagram and hashtag it #CookWithPaolo.