Vodka Rigatoni

Indulge in the creamy, luscious goodness of Vodka Rigatoni, a timeless comfort dish that's as elegant as it is simple to prepare. This rich pasta recipe features tender rigatoni coated in a velvety tomato-vodka sauce infused with the vibrant flavors of garlic, onions, and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A perfect balance of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious texture, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an unforgettable meal that’s bound to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Vodka
• 0.75 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 6 leaves Fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to darken and become aromatic.

Step 5

Carefully pour in the vodka and stir to deglaze the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 7

Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 9

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Vodka Rigatoni with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1192.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2567.7

Total Fat 141.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 322mg	0%
Sodium 3915.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 186.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 30.3g
Protein 67.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1034.7mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 2160.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.5%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 32.6%