Description
An elevated twist on the Italian-American favorite, this Spicy Rigatoni Vodka features tender pasta coated in a creamy, spicy tomato-vodka sauce and topped with a crunchy, nutty walnut-Parmesan crumble for a luxurious, balanced finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes and stir in tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
- Deglaze the pan with vodka and simmer for 1 minute.
- Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- In a small pan, melt butter and toast chopped walnuts for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan and stir until a crumbly texture forms.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with walnut-Parmesan crumble. Garnish with fresh herbs if using.
Notes
- Use a high-quality tomato paste for the richest flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Whipping the cream before adding can give a lighter texture to the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan is made without animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
