Description
This Spicy Basil Rigatoni is a vibrant and creamy pasta dish combining al dente rigatoni with a fragrant garlic and red pepper flake sauté, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a luscious heavy cream sauce infused with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet impressive 40-minute meal that brings Italian flair and a spicy kick to your dinner table.
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. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Spice: Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, adjusting the quantity to your preferred heat level.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them until they soften, about 3 to 5 minutes, breaking them down slightly as they cook.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy, spicy tomato sauce.
- Add Basil and Cheese: Stir in chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to tailor the spice level to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Fresh basil is key for the best flavor; avoid dried basil if possible.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
