Description
Indulge in the flavors of this Spicy Basil Rigatoni – a tantalizing blend of spicy, creamy, and herbaceous notes that come together to create a truly satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Let thicken.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding basil. Adjust consistency with pasta water. Season and serve hot, garnished with basil and Parmesan.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add cayenne or hot sauce.
- Pairs well with garlic bread or a green salad.
- Enhance with sautéed sausage or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
