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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta

    Published: Dec 18, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Spicy rigatoni vodka pasta is a hearty pasta dish that can be found at your favorite restaurants especially if they specialize in Italian cuisine. Rigatoni pasta is coated in a tomato based sauce that brings heat with calabrian chili peppers, a big splash of vodka, and cream. No need for a jarred sauce here because you can make it from scratch with simple ingredients right in your kitchen.

    overhead shot of plated spicy rigatoni pasta

    This is a copycat recipe to carbon's spicy rigatoni vodka pasta which is a very popular dish. Carbone is a famous Italian-American restaurant with the original being in New York City. It has a big celebrity clientele and reservations are hard to get. With this recipe you won't have to worry about that because you can make it in your own kitchen. It's a super easy recipe with very little prep time.

    Spicy Rigatoni Ingredients

    overhead shot of spicy rigatoni ingredients

    Rigatoni- This pasta is in the title so of course you should use it. A close second would be penne if you had it because it has a similar pasta shape.

    Calabrian Chili Paste- This chili brings a different kind of heat than using crushed red pepper flakes. Because it's usually in the form of a paste in most cases it makes for a smooth sauce and helps develop the heat throughout.

    Heavy Cream- This brings a lusciousness to the sauce that using half and half or milk just won't do.

    Tomato Paste- This is the only source of tomatoes in the sauce. There is no tomato sauce in this recipe.

    Let's Make This Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

    cooking rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted water

    In a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Reserve a cup of pasta water when draining.

    onions, garlic, and Calabrian chilis cooking in a large pan

    While pasta is cooking, start on the sauce. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for a couple of minutes. Then add garlic and calabrian chilis and cook for an additional couple of minutes.

    tomato paste cooking in pan with chilis and aromatics

    Next add the tomato paste and stir and cook for 5 minutes caramelizing a bit.

    vodka added to tomato paste mixture in pan

    Reduce the heat medium-low heat and add the vodka. Stir and cook until for a couple of minutes until mostly absorbed.

    grated parmesan cheese added to spicy vodka sauce

    Pour in heavy cream and combine well to create a silky smooth sauce. Add parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

    cooked spicy rigatoni in large pan

    Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta to the spicy vodka sauce. Also add a half cup of pasta water and stir well to full coat the pasta. If you need to add more pasta water, add it a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

    close up of spicy rigatoni served with grated parmesan cheese on top

    Serve hot and garnish with additional parmesan cheese. If you have it on hand, add some torn fresh basil or fresh parsley as well.

    Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

    • Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta
    • Homemade Beef Ragu Pasta
    • Cheesy Meat Lasagna
    • Baked Lobster Mac and Cheese
    • Chicken Piccata Pasta
    spicy rigatoni feature image

    Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta

    Rigatoni pasta is coated in a tomato based sauce that brings heat with calabrian chili peppers, a big splash of vodka, and cream.
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    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 510kcal

    Equipment

    large pot
    Colander

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz rigatoni
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/4 cup onion diced
    • 2 tsp minced garlic
    • 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
    • 6 oz tomato paste
    • 1/2 cup vodka
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
    • salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • In a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Reserve a cup of pasta water when draining.
    • While pasta is cooking, start on the sauce. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for a couple of minutes. Then add garlic and calabrian chilis and cook for an additional couple of minutes.
    • Next add the tomato paste and stir and cook for 5 minutes caramelizing a bit.
    • Reduce the heat medium-low heat and add the vodka. Stir and cook until for a couple of minutes until mostly absorbed.
    • Pour in heavy cream and combine well to create a silky smooth sauce. Add parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
    • Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta to the spicy vodka sauce. Also add a half cup of pasta water and stir well to full coat the pasta. If you need to add more pasta water, add it a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
    • Serve hot and garnish with additional parmesan cheese. If you have it on hand, add some torn fresh basil or fresh parsley as well.

    Video

    Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta

    Nutrition

    Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 12.7g | Fat: 19.3g | Saturated Fat: 9.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.4g | Cholesterol: 46.7mg | Sodium: 300mg | Fiber: 4.7g | Sugar: 8.2g
    Tried this recipe?Mention @itairaeats on Instagram and hashtag #itairaeats!
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    My name is Itaira and I’m from the garden state known as New Jersey. I’ve had passion for many things but the one thing that is consistent is food. I love everything there is to love about food in every aspect. I welcome you all to join me on this food journey. I hope to inspire you to cook and try new foods... learn more

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