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Spicy Rigatoni Pasta

Spicy Rigatoni Pasta** is a **rich, creamy, and fiery dish** that’s both **comforting and packed with bold flavors**. With a **velvety tomato-based sauce, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and perfectly cooked rigatoni**, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
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Equipment

  • - Large pot for boiling pasta
  • - Large skillet or saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • - Colande

Ingredients
  

  • - 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 1 small onion finely diced
  • - 3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • - 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • - ½ teaspoon salt
  • - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • - ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
  • - 2 tablespoons butter optional, for richness
  • - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for depth
  • - Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • #### **Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook **rigatoni** according to package instructions until **al dente**. Drain and set aside, reserving **½ cup pasta water**.
  • #### **Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
  • Heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add **onion** and sauté for **3 minutes** until soft. Stir in **garlic** and cook for **30 seconds** until fragrant.
  • #### **Step 3: Build the Sauce**
  • Stir in **tomato paste** and cook for **2 minutes** to deepen the flavor. Add **crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper**. Simmer for **5 minutes**, stirring occasionally.
  • #### **Step 4: Add the Cream & Cheese**
  • Lower the heat and stir in **heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter**. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If needed, add **a splash of reserved pasta water** for a silkier consistency.
  • #### **Step 5: Toss the Pasta**
  • Add the **cooked rigatoni** to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Let it cook for **1-2 minutes** to absorb the flavors.
  • #### **Step 6: Serve & Enjoy**
  • Garnish with **extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes**. Serve hot and enjoy!