Are you craving a delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dish but short on time? Look no further! This North Italia-inspired spicy rigatoni vodka recipe is your answer. It's bursting with flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget takeout – this homemade masterpiece will quickly become one of your favorite easy recipes.
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs.
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Let's Cook!
Get started:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make the sauce:
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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.
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Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn!
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Stir in the heavy cream and vodka. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and serve:
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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.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Don't be shy with the red pepper flakes! Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder dish, start with less and add more to taste.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
- If you don't have vodka, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth or dry white wine. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Fresh basil is key! It adds a vibrant freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Add protein: Sauté some Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken before adding the onions to create a heartier meal.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and add some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- Creamy Spinach Rigatoni: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This spicy rigatoni vodka recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste or quality. It’s a delightful combination of healthy meals and delicious dishes, making it a perfect addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!