Description
Spicy Basil Rigatoni is a flavorful and creamy Italian-American pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, shallots, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. This easy weeknight recipe balances heat and creaminess perfectly, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an ultimate comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Spice and Tomato Paste: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds to release their flavor. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the sauce’s richness.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chopped fresh basil leaves to the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or white beans.
- Make it vegan by substituting plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
