Description
A flavorful and creamy Spicy Basil Rigatoni pasta dish featuring a rich tomato and heavy cream sauce, infused with garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American main course with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or Calabrian chili paste for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste into the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly and deepen in flavor.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, rich sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your liking.
- Simmer and serve: Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil garnish for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Notes
- For a plant-based version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to increase the protein content.
- Incorporate Calabrian chili paste for a smoky depth and a spicier kick.
