Description
A deliciously creamy pasta dish infused with just the right amount of spice, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and red chili flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until it darkens and begins to caramelize. Pour in vodka, stir well, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Let simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce turns creamy and smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in unsalted butter to add silkiness, then fold in chopped fresh parsley. Plate immediately and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and additional chili flakes if desired.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg