Craving that fiery, flavorful pasta dish you love from Buca di Beppo? Stop dreaming and start cooking! This recipe recreates their famous Spicy Rigatoni, bringing the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with family and friends. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes made with easy recipes and is sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Spicy Rigatoni:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh is best: If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- Creamy goodness: For an even creamier sauce, use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half.
- Cheese please: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Leftovers? Yes, please! This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Meaty meal: Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or meatballs to the sauce for a heartier dish.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate other vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy sausage: Substitute Italian sausage for a richer, spicier flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
This Buca di Beppo Spicy Rigatoni recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a healthy meal option that's packed with flavor and relatively low in preparation time, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families alike. Enjoy this taste of Italy from the comfort of your own home!