Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Get ready for a flavor sensation with this Spicy Rigatoni recipe! It's one of my go-to dishes for a cozy night's dinner and also a perfect choice for a special occasion.

This next-level pasta dish features al dente rigatoni enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that's bursting with flavor.

The secret lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients: tomato passata, vegan heavy cream, and a kick of red pepper flakes. When combined with vodka, they create a deliciously spicy vodka sauce that perfectly balances comfort and zest. This spicy rigatoni is simply like a warm hug with a spicy high-five!

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Rigatoni - You can use any pasta shape you love, but rigatoni holds the spicy vodka sauce perfectly!
• Olive Oil
• Onion & Garlic - The aromatics for the sauce base.
• Red Pepper Flakes / Chili Flakes - Add a spicy kick; tweak the amount to adjust the spicyness!
• Tomato Paste & Tomato Passata - For the base of the sauce
• Vodka - Helps deglaze the pan and enhances the sauce's flavor; don't worry, the alcohol cooks off.
• Vegan Heavy Cream - Opt for a vegan option like Elmlea or homemade cashew cream for that silky smooth sauce.
• Pasta Water - Reserve some water from boiling pasta - it helps thicken and bind the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper - Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil - Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese - Optional, but delicious for a cheesy finish!

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

🔪 Equipment

Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:

• Large Pot - Use this to boil the pasta. Make sure it's big enough to allow the pasta to cook evenly.
• Large Skillet - Ideal for making the sauce. A large pan with high sides is best to prevent spills.
• Knife & Chopping Board - Use for chopping onions and other prep work.
• Garlic Press - Handy for mincing garlic quickly.
• Cheese Grater - If you want to add parmesan, use this to grate it fresh.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve pasta water.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add red pepper flakes and tomato paste.

Step 3: Deglaze with Vodka

Add vodka. Cook until reduced.

Step 4: Add Tomato & Cream

Simmer tomato passata. Stir in vegan cream.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta Water

Add a few tablespoon of pasta water to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Season and Toss

Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the cooked pasta.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and vegan parmesan.

🍽️ Serving

Serve the spicy rigatoni hot in bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit of vegan parmesan on top and enjoy your creamy, spicy pasta right away!

❄️ Storage

Store any leftover spicy rigatoni in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to reheat

To reheat, use a microwave or heat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to keep it saucy. Stir while reheating to ensure even warmth. Enjoy it just as much the next day!

🔜 Related Recipes

If you're loving this spicy rigatoni recipe, be sure to check out my Creamy Butternut Squash Tagliatelle for a cozy, creamy twist, and don't miss out on the Vegan Baked Boursin Pasta for a rich and indulging pasta dinner!

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Romy

Get ready for a flavor party with this Spicy Rigatoni! It's a super tasty pasta dish that'll knock your socks off. The silky vodka sauce and spicy kick from red pepper flakes make it a real crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-find ingredients and big, bold flavors, you've gotta give this a shot for your next dinner!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta (340g)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ cup vodka (60 ml)
• 1.5 cups tomato passata (360 ml)
• ½ cup vegan heavy cream (240 ml)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (120 ml)
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the pasta water. Set aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and stir until well combined.
• Carefully pour vodka into the skillet. Let it bubble and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
• Pour in tomato passata and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Reduce heat to low and add vegan heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce is silky and smooth.
• Add salt and black pepper to taste. Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated with sauce.
• Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and vegan parmesan.

Notes

• Serving Suggestions: Serve the spicy rigatoni hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan. 
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: For a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Alternatively, increase the flakes for more heat.
• Creamy Sauce Tips: Ensure the sauce is smooth by stirring in the vegan cream over low heat and gradually adding pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Ingredient Substitutions: If you don't have rigatoni, feel free to use another pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or fusilli.
• Optional Additions: Consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Keyword pasta sauce, Spicy Rigatoni, vegan pasta, Vodka Sauce

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