Spicy Rigatoni Pasta

Are you a fan of pasta dishes that are both creamy and spicy? If so, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta recipe! This mouthwatering dish combines the richness of a creamy sauce with a kick of spice to create a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. 

Today, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious pasta dish, from cooking the rigatoni to preparing the creamy spicy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to impress your dinner guests or simply want to indulge in a flavorful meal, this Creamy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, grab your apron and get ready to cook up a storm!

Ingredients of Spicy Rigatoni Pasta

Spicy Rigatoni Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients to create a tantalizing meal.

Uncooked Rigatoni 400g

Rigatoni pasta is the star ingredient in the delectable Spicy Rigatoni Pasta dish. These large, ridged tubes of pasta are perfect for capturing and holding onto the spicy sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Chicken Stock 4 Cups 

Chicken stock in spicy rigatoni pasta adds depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the flavor profile. It complements the spices and balances the dish’s heat.

Heavy/Double Cream 1 Cup 

Heavy or double cream adds a smooth, velvety texture to spicy rigatoni pasta, balancing the heat from chili flakes and enriching the sauce’s flavor.

Sun Dried Tomatoes 3/4 Cup 

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, concentrated flavor to spicy rigatoni pasta. Their chewy texture and intense sweetness complement the heat of the sauce, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Tomato Puree 1/3 Cups

Tomato puree provides a smooth, thick base for spicy rigatoni pasta, offering a rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor. It blends well with spices, enhancing the sauce’s depth and overall taste.

Freshly Grated Parmesan 1/3 Cup 

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor to spicy rigatoni pasta. It melts beautifully into the sauce, balancing the heat and enhancing the richness with its creamy texture.

Dry White Wine  1/3 Cup 

Dry white wine adds acidity and depth to spicy rigatoni pasta, helping to balance the heat and enhance the flavors of the sauce with a subtle, fruity undertone.

Pancetta 5 Oz 

Pancetta adds a savory, salty depth to spicy rigatoni pasta. Its crispy texture and rich flavor enhance the overall dish, complementing the heat with a smoky richness.

Onion 1 Medium

Onions provide a sweet, aromatic base for spicy rigatoni pasta. When sautéed, they soften and caramelize, balancing the heat while adding depth and richness to the sauce.

Garlic 2 Cloves

Garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor to spicy rigatoni pasta. When sautéed, it infuses the oil with a savory richness, enhancing the overall taste and complementing the heat.

Fresh Basil 1/2 Small Bunch

Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to spicy rigatoni pasta. Its bright, peppery flavor balances the heat and enhances the dish with a refreshing finish.

Chilli Flakes 1 Tsp

Chili flakes provide a fiery kick to spicy rigatoni pasta. They infuse the sauce with heat and depth, enhancing the flavor profile and complementing the rich ingredients.

Salt 1 ½  Teaspoons 

Salt enhances the natural flavors in spicy rigatoni pasta, balancing the heat and bringing out the richness of the sauce. It ties all ingredients together for a well-seasoned dish.

Black Pepper ½  Teaspoon

Black pepper adds a mild, pungent heat to spicy rigatoni pasta. It complements the chili flakes, enhancing the overall spice profile while adding depth to the sauce.

Essential Equipments For Spicy Rigatoni Pasta

To prepare a delicious spicy rigatoni pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the key tools that will help you create this flavorful dish:

Large Pot

A large pot is crucial for boiling the rigatoni. It should have enough capacity to hold plenty of water, allowing the pasta to cook evenly without sticking together.

Colander

After cooking the pasta, a colander is necessary for draining the water. This tool ensures that your rigatoni is ready to be tossed with the sauce.

Large Skillet or Saucepan

A large skillet is essential for preparing the sauce. It should be spacious enough to hold both the sauce and the pasta when you combine them. This is particularly important for recipes that involve simmering ingredients like tomatoes, cream, and spices.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula

A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula is ideal for stirring the sauce and ensuring that all ingredients are well combined. It’s also useful for tossing the pasta with the sauce once it’s cooked.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right balance of flavors, especially when adding spices like red pepper flakes or ingredients like heavy cream.

Knife and Cutting Board

A sharp knife and a cutting board are necessary for chopping ingredients such as garlic, onions, or any vegetables you might want to include in your spicy rigatoni.

How to Make Spicy Rigatoni Pasta In 30 Minutes?

• Add the pancetta to a large saucepan and place over low to medium heat. To extract the fat, carefully sauté the pancetta until it becomes crisp. Turn the heat up to medium and add the onion. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and chili flakes after sautéing until soft and golden. For another two minutes, keep frying.
• Add the tomato paste or puree and cook for 2 minutes, which is important to caramelize and bring out the sweetness of the paste. After adding the wine, use your wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. Simmer for a few minutes or until the paste is the thickness you want (the alcohol must be evaporated).
• Add the cream and chicken stock, stirring well and scraping down the bottom of the pot if needed. Once the rigatoni is added, let it simmer gently. 
• Lower the heat to a low-medium setting and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente. If the sauce soaks before the pasta is cooked through, just add more water (preferably boiling) a little at a time until the pasta is soft and the sauce thickens to the right consistency and sticks to the noodles.
• Turn off the heat and stir in the basil and parmesan. Serve and savor your cuisine after adjusting the seasoning or spice as needed!

Final Words

For a flavorful and satisfying meal, look no further than this Creamy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta recipe. The perfect combination of creaminess and spice will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Embrace the culinary adventure and treat yourself to a delightful dining experience with this delectable Creamy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta recipe.

FAQs

What Makes Rigatoni Perfect For Spicy Pasta?

Rigatoni is ideal for spicy pasta because of its large, ridged structure, which helps trap thick, spicy sauces. The ridges hold the sauce more effectively, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, its wide, tubular shape allows it to absorb the heat of spicy ingredients, offering a perfect balance between texture and flavor. Rigatoni’s sturdy form also makes it resilient to bold, spicy sauces without losing its bite.

Best Sauces For Spicy Rigatoni Pasta

The best sauces for spicy rigatoni pasta include arrabbiata, a classic tomato sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. For a creamy option, try a spicy vodka sauce with tomatoes, vodka, and heavy cream, giving a rich kick. Another great choice is a spicy sausage ragu, combining ground sausage, crushed tomatoes, and chili flakes for a hearty, flavorful dish. Each sauce complements rigatoni’s ridges perfectly.