Description
Spicy Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a rich and satisfying pasta dish. It features rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, slightly spicy tomato sauce. This dish is a popular, restaurant-quality option for a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Add the butter to the sauce and stir until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend it before adding the cream.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spicy rigatoni, creamy tomato sauce, pasta, Italian, comfort food, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, tomato pasta