Description
Indulge in the ultimate pasta experience with this Spicy Basil Rigatoni recipe. A creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes coats al dente rigatoni, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then stir in heavy cream, basil, and Parmesan.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked rigatoni with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with basil leaves and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper with the red pepper flakes.
- Optional: Add cooked Italian sausage or shrimp for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, stovetop sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
