Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe A Flavor Packed Italian Classic

Looking to spice up your weeknight dinner? This Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe brings the bold flavors of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. Inspired by the famous Carbone restaurant, this dish combines perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta with a spicy, creamy tomato sauce that’s full of rich flavors.

It’s the perfect balance of heat, tang, and creaminess, making it a deliciously indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this spicy pasta dish is sure to impress!

Let’s dive into some mouthwatering serving ideas, easy storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions about making the Carbone Spicy Rigatoni.

Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

700

kcal

Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe Ingredients and Instructions.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup tomato paste

• 2 tbsp tomato sauce

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste and tomato sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Allow the flavors to combine.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
• Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in a creamy, spicy sauce.
• Plate the rigatoni and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions for Carbone Spicy Rigatoni:

• Classic Pairing: Serve your spicy rigatoni with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Protein Boost: Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even meatballs to add a savory protein to your dish. The rich, spicy sauce will complement the protein perfectly!
• Cheese, Please: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top to enhance the flavor and add a creamy texture.
• Make it a Feast: If you’re entertaining, serve the Carbone Spicy Rigatoni as a main course with roasted vegetables on the side for a well-rounded meal.
• Mild or Wild: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili flakes to the sauce. Whether you like it mild or fiery, you can customize the spiciness to your preference!

How to Store Carbone Spicy Rigatoni:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover Carbone Spicy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing for Later: If you want to freeze the leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pan over low heat with a splash of olive oil or a small amount of heavy cream to bring back its creamy texture. You can also microwave it, but stirring occasionally helps prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of rigatoni?
While rigatoni is traditional for this recipe, you can absolutely swap it out for penne, ziti, or any other short pasta. The key is to choose pasta that will hold up well to the creamy, spicy sauce.

2. How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or chili oil. If you love the heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

3. Can I make the Carbone Spicy Rigatoni ahead of time?
Yes! This pasta actually tastes even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Carbone Spicy Rigatoni is naturally vegetarian (as long as you skip any meat toppings). If you want to make it vegan, you can use plant-based alternatives to the cheese and heavy cream.

5. Can I make this dish less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or a splash of milk for a less rich sauce.