Description
Spicy Basil Rigatoni is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that combines al dente rigatoni with a spicy garlic-infused cream sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a vibrant kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Spice: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, adjusting the quantity depending on how spicy you prefer the dish.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them until they soften, about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing their juices to release.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together carefully until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Basil and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
