Spicy Rigatoni Carbone Recipe

Are you a fan of Italian cuisine but looking to spice things up in the kitchen? Look no further than the Spicy Rigatoni Carbone recipe! This classic dish is a flavorful combination of rigatoni pasta, savory pancetta, spicy red pepper flakes, and a creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Today, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this delectable dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So grab your apron and get ready to cook up a delicious plate of Spicy Rigatoni Carbone that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients of Spicy Rigatoni Carbone

The Spicy Rigatoni Carbone is a popular dish known for its rich and spicy flavor profile. Here are the key ingredients typically used in this recipe:

Butter 3 Tbsp.

Butter in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone adds richness and smoothness, blending with the pasta sauce to create a velvety texture. It enhances the overall flavor, balancing the heat from the spices and complementing the creamy and savory elements of the dish.

Onion 2 1/2 Cups

Onion in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. When sautéed, it caramelizes, releasing natural sugars that enhance the sauce’s richness, while its slight tang balances the spiciness and creaminess of the dish.

Garlic 4 Cloves

Garlic in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor. When sautéed, it becomes slightly sweet and mellow, providing a savory base that complements the heat from the spices and enhances the overall richness of the sauce.

Crushed Calabrian Chiles 2 To 4 Tbsp.

Crushed Calabrian chiles in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone bring a fiery, tangy kick to the dish. Their smoky, slightly fruity flavor adds complexity, while the heat intensifies the sauce, creating a bold contrast with the creamy and savory elements.

Tomato Paste 1 (6-Oz.) Can

Tomato paste in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone provides a concentrated, rich tomato flavor that deepens the sauce. Its thick consistency helps bind the ingredients, while adding a slight sweetness and umami, balancing the spiciness and creaminess of the dish.

Whole Tomatoes 1 (14-Oz.) Can

Whole tomatoes in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone contribute a fresh, juicy burst of flavor. When crushed or simmered, they release natural sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the sauce while enhancing its depth with a light, vibrant tomato taste.

Vodka 1/4 Cup

Vodka in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone helps to brighten and intensify the flavors of the sauce. It adds a subtle sharpness and helps to release the tomato’s natural flavors, while blending the creaminess and spice, creating a smoother, more cohesive sauce.

Heavy Cream 1 Cup

Heavy cream in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone provides a luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor. It balances the heat from the chiles and the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a creamy, smooth sauce that envelops the pasta perfectly.

Kosher Salt To taste

Kosher salt in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone enhances the overall flavor by bringing out the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the richness of cream. Its coarse texture dissolves evenly, ensuring a well-balanced seasoning throughout the dish.

 Lumaconi Pasta 1 Lb.

Lumaconi pasta in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone offers a hearty, ridged texture that holds onto the rich, creamy sauce. Its hollow, shell-like shape traps the bold flavors, ensuring every bite is coated with the spicy, velvety goodness of the dish.

Freshly Grated Parmesan 1 1/2 Cups

Freshly grated Parmesan in Spicy Rigatoni Carbone adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances the richness of the sauce. It melts into the dish, creating a smooth, umami-packed finish that balances the heat and complements the creamy texture.

Essential Equipment For Spicy Rigatoni Carbone

To make Spicy Rigatoni Carbone, having the right equipment ensures the dish comes together perfectly. Here’s a list of essential tools:

1. Large Pot

A large pot is essential for cooking the rigatoni. It allows enough room for the pasta to cook evenly and prevents it from sticking together. The bigger the pot, the better the pasta can move around as it cooks.

2. Colander

Once the pasta is cooked, a colander is necessary to drain it. You’ll want to drain the pasta quickly to prevent overcooking and retain some of the pasta water for the sauce.

3. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan

A large skillet or sauté pan is ideal for preparing the sauce. It gives you ample space to sauté garlic, chili flakes, and any other ingredients, plus room to toss the pasta with the sauce at the end.

4. Wooden Spoon or Tongs

A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan. Tongs are useful for gently tossing the pasta into the sauce and ensuring every piece is coated evenly.

5. Cheese Grater

For the finishing touch, a fine cheese grater is essential for grating fresh pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. This ensures the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding flavor and richness.

These tools will help you create a flawless spicy rigatoni at home!

How To Make Spicy Rigatoni Carbone At Home?

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and caramelized. Cook the garlic and chiles for two minutes, or until fragrant. About 2 teaspoons of the cooked onion mixture should be placed in a small bowl and left there.

Step 2

Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened and deeper in color. Add the tomatoes, their liquid, and the vodka, scraping off any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3

Cook for about ten minutes, breaking up the tomatoes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the heavy cream until thoroughly mixed.

Step 4

Use an immersion blender or a normal blender to smooth up the sauce. Put the sauce back into the pot.

Step 5

In a large saucepan of boiling water, combine pasta and 2 tablespoons salt. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1½ cups pasta water. 

Step 6

Return the sauce to medium-low heat to simmer. Mix in Parmesan and ½ cup pasta water until mixed. (For a smoother sauce, gradually add ¼ cup of pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.) Add salt to taste.

Step 7

Toss the pasta in the sauce with the reserved cooked onion mixture until well heated and coated. 

Step 8

Serve immediately and top with a little Parmesan cheese.

Final Words

Spice up your culinary adventures with this delicious Homemade Spicy Rigatoni Carbone recipe! From the perfect blend of spices to the creamy sauce coating each rigatoni, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is a must-try. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and savor every flavorful bite of this Homemade Spicy Rigatoni Carbone!

FAQs

What Makes Carbone’s Rigatoni Unique?

Carbone’s Rigatoni is unique for its perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. The use of high-quality ingredients like Calabrian chiles, vodka, and heavy cream creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats each piece of pasta. The dish’s bold flavor is further enhanced by the addition of freshly grated Parmesan, while the luxurious texture of the sauce pairs perfectly with the hearty rigatoni. This balance of heat, richness, and umami makes Carbone’s Rigatoni stand out.

Can You Make It Without Heavy Cream?

Yes, you can make Carbone’s rigatoni without heavy cream! Instead of cream, try using whole milk or a combination of olive oil and butter for a lighter, yet still rich, texture. You can also incorporate a small amount of ricotta or mascarpone cheese to achieve creaminess without the heaviness of cream. This will still provide a smooth, indulgent sauce, but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Best Pasta Types For Spicy Carbone Sauce

For a spicy Carbone-style sauce, opt for pasta types that can hold up to the bold, flavorful sauce. Rigatoni is a top choice due to its large, ridged shape that catches the sauce perfectly. Penne also works well, as its tube shape absorbs the sauce inside. Fusilli or cavatappi are great too, as their spiral shapes grab onto both the sauce and any added bits like spicy peppers or herbs. These shapes enhance the overall spice and flavor balance.

What’s The Difference Between Carbone Rigatoni And Vodka Sauce?

The main difference between Carbone’s Rigatoni and vodka sauce lies in their flavor profiles and ingredients. Carbone’s Rigatoni typically features a rich tomato sauce, often with a touch of cream or butter, and is paired with a large meatball. In contrast, vodka sauce combines tomatoes with vodka, heavy cream, and sometimes onions or garlic, creating a smoother, slightly tangy, and creamy texture. Vodka sauce lacks the meatball element and has a more distinct, savory depth due to the vodka.