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Spicy Tomato Basil Rigatoni

A bold and zesty Italian pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a spicy tomato basil sauce with garlic, chili flakes, and parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Pasta
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar optional
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1/2 cup pasta water reserved

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add crushed red pepper flakes and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 10–12 minutes.
  4. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted into the sauce.
  5. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
  6. Stir in chopped fresh basil and cook for 1 more minute.
  7. Serve hot topped with additional parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

For a creamier version, add 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end of cooking. Adjust chili flakes for preferred spice level.