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Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

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A creamy, spicy rigatoni pasta with fresh basil and a subtle vodka tang, perfect for quick weeknight dinners that taste like a restaurant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 11-13 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in vodka carefully. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and alcohol aroma softens.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves.
  8. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Notes

Use good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh garlic for best flavor. Simmer vodka gently to mellow alcohol taste. Fold in basil off heat to preserve aroma and color. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Can substitute half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternatives. Gluten-free pasta works well for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy vodka rigatoni, creamy pasta, fresh basil, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, vodka sauce, rigatoni recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/spicy-vodka-rigatoni-recipe-easy-creamy-pasta-with-fresh-basil/