Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Recipe
This Spicy Rigatoni Vodka is rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Tender rigatoni is tossed in a silky homemade vodka sauce made with garlic, tomato paste, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Better than restaurant-style and ready in about 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy.
- Add cooked rigatoni and toss until fully coated.
- Stir in reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Pasta water helps create a silky restaurant-quality sauce.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Use quality heavy cream for the richest flavor and texture.
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/spicy-rigatoni-vodka/