The spicy rigatoni recipe is simple to make and full of big flavors. A delicious dinner with a perfect balance of tangy and spicy vodka sauce. It's cozy and satisfying, ideal for a crowd or family.
Do you follow the same pasta recipe most dinner nights? We do not; we introduce and incorporate our favorite elements (like coconut milk pasta sauce) in every spin.
Recently, this classic spicy rigatoni has been a sweet discovery; our whole family gave a big thumbs up.
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Why You'll Love This Spicy Rigatoni Recipe?
- It's creamy, tangy, and spicy, the best of flavors.
- You can customize the heat.
- Satisfying delicious dinner.
The Ingredients
This recipe is inspired by our favorite Italian dinner menu. We tried making the classic version of spicy rigatoni with vodka sauce.
But tweaked a little to fit a modern kitchen for effortless cooking, we opted for store-bought marinara sauce. However, if you think of making from scratch(like this spicy penne pasta or sriracha shrimp pasta), scroll down for more tips and ideas.
- Rigatoni pasta. The tube pasta holds the sauce very well. You may use penne, ziti, or other tubed pasta.
- Olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil works best; I strongly advise using this. Cook in medium to low heat to retain its all-natural flavors.
- Sweet peppers. Traditionally, a spicy rigatoni vodka sauce is made with sweet peppers. The sweet pepper balances the heat from the red pepper flakes and the creaminess of the cheese. Feel free to use any sweet peppers of your choice.
- Onion. It provides depth of flavor and adds volume to the sauce. You may use shallots or green onion as well.
- Tomatoes. I have used a can of diced roasted tomato for spicy rigatoni pasta, known for its zing taste. I feel it makes the sauce more prominent. However, You may use fresh tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes.
- Heavy whipping cream. It makes the pasta creamy and rich. To make it light, choose half and half.
- Vodka. The alcohol in the vodka evaporates while cooking, and you don't taste the vodka. But it provides a rich touch that sets it as a signature dish.
- Parmesan cheese. Balances the acidity from tomato and spiciness from red pepper flakes.
- Red pepper flakes. Adding these red pepper flakes provides an intense heat and aroma.
- Garlic. For robust, wholesome flavors.
How To Make This Rigatoni Pasta?
Prep work. Add diced roasted tomatoes to a small mixing bowl and crush them with your hand until they turn mushy.
In a large pot, cook pasta in salted water until it's al dente. Strain the pasta and reserve one cup of pasta water. Set aside pasta and pasta water aside.
Make the sauce. Place a skillet over medium to low heat; add extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic, onion, and chopped sweet pepper. And sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Then add mashed diced tomatoes and sauté until it thickens.
Add rigatoni. Add rigatoni pasta, vodka, and the water reserved in the first step.
Allow it to cook until the sauce turns to a thick consistency.
Stir in heavy whipped cream, red pepper flakes, and the grated parmesan cheese.
Cook until the vodka sauce coats the pasta well. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired.
Best to serve with
- Salad. Spicy kale salad and jalapeno tuna salad are some of the best to combine. Choose salads like fiesta salad and Greek yogurt chicken salad for a colorful, hot, and sour side.
- Stuffed chicken. If planning to serve with a choice of protein.
- Garlic bread. What else can beat the combo of serving with garlic bread?
- Vegetables. Any form of vegetables makes the spicy rigatoni comforting. Spicy roasted vegetables, spiced brussel sprouts, or crispy eggplant.
- Pizza. This would be entertaining.
The Recipe Tips And Variations
- When my family often wants a light dinner, I substitute whole milk(mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch) for heavy whipping cream.
- Chicken. Spicy chicken rigatoni is a popular, wholesome variation. You may cook chicken cubes, onion, and sweet pepper for this.
- Without Vodka: If you are uncomfortable adding vodka, skip vodka from the recipe list. Rigatoni with tomato sauce still tastes incredible.
- Large rigatoni pasta. As we have specified, any tube-type pasta is suitable for holding the sauce. The same applies here.
- Extra heat. For more spiciness, stir in chili paste or cayenne pepper.
- Without heat. Do you prefer to make the sauce without heat? Skip adding the red pepper flakes.
Low fat. Choose light cream, half and half, or whole milk.
Printable Recipe Card
Spicy Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 16 oz rigatoni or other tube pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ cup sweet peppers roughly chopped
- ¼ onion chopped
- 14 oz fire roasted diced tomato /1 can-mashed
- 3 tablespoon vodka
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepping work
- To a mixing bowl, add diced fire roasted tomatoes and crush it with your hand until it turns mushy.
- In a large pot, cook pasta in salted water, until it's al dente. Strain the pasta and reserve one cup of pasta water. Set aside pasta and pasta water aside.
Make the sauce
- In medium to low heat place a pan. Add extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, and sweet peppers. And sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Then add mashed diced tomatoes and sauté until it thickens.
Add rigatoni
- Add rigatoni pasta, vodka, and the pasta water that we have reserved in the first step.
- Allow it to cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in heavy whipped cream, red pepper flakes, and the grated parmesan cheese.
- Cook until the vodka sauce evenly coats the pasta. Optionally garnish with chopped green onion.
Notes
- To cut down the heat, lower or skip adding red pepper flakes.
- Add more red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili paste to increase the heat.
- Refrigerate. Store the cooked leftover spicy rigatoni in an airtight container. Refrigerate to use within five days.
- Freezer. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat. Leave the container in the refrigerator overnight for thawing. Gently reheat in the microwave by sprinkling water or vegetable broth to keep them from drying out.
Kathleen says
Oh my, vodka, sweet peppers, and a kick. Count me in for this comforting and delicious pasta.
pepperbowl says
Hi Kathleen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Toni says
I tried it and turned out really good! Thanks for the tips! I cut down the heat a little bit for my kids, they really enjoyed it!
pepperbowl says
Great to hear! Thank you Toni!
Nancy says
Everyone loves this spicy rigatoni recipe. The seasoning is well balanced and goes well with every protein.
pepperbowl says
Happy to hear your feedback Nancy!