Standby Rigatoni with Extra Zaps
Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Standby Rigatoni with Extra Zaps—a lightning-fast pasta recipe bursting with bold flavor and comforting simplicity. Perfectly al dente rigatoni is tossed in a luscious, chili-infused tomato-garlic sauce crafted from pantry staples like olive oil, fresh garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes. A touch of starchy pasta water ties everything together into a silky, restaurant-worthy dish, while the bright pop of fresh basil and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese elevate this meal to crave-worthy status. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a go-to for busy nights, satisfying dinners, or anyone seeking an easy rigatoni recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of chili flakes for that perfect "zap" of heat!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Rigatoni pasta
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tsp Red chili flakes
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly cracked
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 0.5 cup Pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4
Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Step 5
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and started to release their juices.
Step 6
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to combine.
Step 7
Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to create a light sauce that coats the rigatoni.
Step 8
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and half the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra chili flakes if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (996.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1504.9 |
| Total Fat 79.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 95.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4211.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 126.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 11.5g | |
| Protein 69.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1450.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1173.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories