Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka
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!
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.