Description
A creamy, spicy, and tomato-forward pasta dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. This weeknight-friendly meal uses jarred vodka sauce, fresh basil, and a kick of heat for a restaurant-quality result at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)
- Enough water to fill a large pot
- 24 oz jarred vodka sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bunch fresh basil, torn by hand
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add 2 tablespoons of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta.
- While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in vodka sauce and stir. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add vodka and heavy cream. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Remove skillet from heat. Tear fresh basil into large pieces and toss into the pasta.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and optional olive oil.
Notes
Save the starchy pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Use fresh basil only, as dried basil lacks flavor. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: rigatoni vodka, spicy pasta, summer basil recipe, quick weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, 15 minute meals, vegetarian pasta