Description
A flavorful and creamy Italian-American pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a spicy tomato cream sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe balances heat and richness, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or Calabrian chili paste for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 10-12 minutes depending on package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen in flavor.
- Create creamy sauce: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and rich in texture.
- Incorporate cheese and basil: Add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil to the sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and reach desired consistency.
- Simmer briefly: Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a plant-based version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to increase protein content.
- Incorporate Calabrian chili paste or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicier kick.
