Spicy Rigatonix Recipe
Make Spicy Rigatonix Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cooking Liquid
Spicy Tomato Sauce
Creamy Finish & Cheese
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta & Cooking Liquid
- 1
Bring water to a boil
In a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon coarse salt.
- 2
Cook rigatoni
Add 12 oz rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10–12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside; keep pasta warm.
Spicy Tomato Sauce
- 3
Sweat aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and the finely chopped fresh red chile. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- 4
Build sauce
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the paste darkens slightly. Add the 14 oz can crushed tomatoes and 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth; stir to combine.
- 5
Season and simmer
Add 0.5 tsp sugar, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, 8–10 minutes to thicken and concentrate flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat (add more red pepper flakes if desired).
Creamy Finish & Cheese
- 6
Finish with cream and cheese
Lower heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp softened cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Add 3/4 cup grated Parmesan and stir until melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water to reach a glossy, clingy consistency.
- 7
Finish & Garnish
- 8
Adjust final seasoning
Remove pan from heat. Stir in 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup chiffonaded fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- 9
Serve
Divide Spicy Rigatonix among 4 plates or bowls. Sprinkle each serving with additional grated Parmesan (about 1 tbsp per serving) and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.