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Creamy Spicy Rigatoni Recipe Perfect for Dinner Tonight

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A velvety, creamy sauce with a kick of spice coats tender rigatoni, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
  3. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce turns a beautiful orange color.
  5. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring to melt and combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Mix the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Salt your pasta water generously for flavor. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste. Save pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Rigatoni, Spicy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Italian Recipe

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