Description
A delightful and flavorful dish, Spicy Basil Rigatoni is a vegetarian pasta recipe that combines the bold flavors of basil, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes with creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes soften, then add tomato paste.
- Finish the dish: Pour in reserved pasta water and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, then add the cooked rigatoni. Toss to coat, then stir in basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add cooked sausage or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
