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Vodka Rigatoni
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Vodka Rigatoni

Vodka rigatoni is a creamy pasta dish made with rigatoni, a tomato-based vodka sauce, onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. The vodka enhances the flavors of the tomatoes, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Keyword Broccoli Pasta, Creamy Sauce, Vodka Rigatoni
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Pot
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 Grater

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 red onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • fresh basil

Refrigerated

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Grocery

  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 16 oz rigatoni

Spices

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Reserve 2/3 cup of pasta water before draining.

Prep the Produce

  • Dice the red onion, mince the garlic, and chop the basil. Set aside

Make the Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add diced red onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize.
  • Add Vodka and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Incorporate Pasta Water and Cheese

  • Add reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir well to combine.
  • Mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently stir until each piece is coated with the sauce.
  • Let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.

Add Basil and Serve

  • Stir in chopped basil for a fresh, sweet balance.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil, if desired.