Description
Spicy Basil Rigatoni is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish combining tender rigatoni with a rich tomato and basil sauce, enhanced by a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and finished with Parmesan cheese. This easy weeknight meal delivers the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make Sauce Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns rich and creamy.
- Add Fresh Basil: Mix in the chopped fresh basil leaves, incorporating them fully into the sauce for vibrant flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot and garnish with extra fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan alternative.
- Boost the vegetable content by adding sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini.
- For added protein, toss in cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
