Description
Enjoy a luscious, creamy pasta with a spicy kick and fresh basil flavors in this easy-to-make Spicy Basil Rigatoni. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Spice: Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, adjusting the amount to control the heat level.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Add Basil and Cheese: Stir in chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with additional fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein.
- Use half-and-half or cream cheese for a lighter or tangier sauce.
- Incorporate other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for added complexity.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chili oil on top for crunch and extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
