Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Carbone in New York City, you might already be familiar with their famous spicy rigatoni. It’s one of those dishes that you crave long after the meal is over. Thankfully, you don’t have to book a table to savor the creamy, spicy delight at home. This spicy rigatoni Carbone recipe captures the essence of that unforgettable dish. The rich, velvety sauce combined with tender rigatoni is both indulgent and comforting, offering a hint of heat that keeps you coming back for more.

Recipe by SoukaynaCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Inspired by the iconic NYC restaurant, this Carbone spicy rigatoni recipe brings you a luscious, creamy, and spicy tomato sauce that coats al dente rigatoni, making it a perfect indulgence. With a hint of heat, it’s sure to become your new favorite pasta dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spiciness)
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Tomato Paste and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking until the paste darkens in color (about 5 minutes).
Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Adjusting Spice Levels: Add more or fewer red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.

Tips for the perfect Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water can be used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Recipe Variants

Buffalo Chicken Rigatoni: Add cooked, shredded buffalo chicken to the sauce for a heartier meal.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegetable broth for a dairy-free and vegan version.

FAQ

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular rigatoni, and check the ingredients of the vodka and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free.

With this Carbone spicy rigatoni recipe, you can bring a touch of NYC’s dining scene right into your kitchen. It’s a recipe that marries spice, creaminess, and umami in a way that will make your taste buds sing. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weeknight indulgence, this dish is sure to impress. So, next time you’re thinking of pasta, skip the basic marinara and dive into this spicy rigatoni Carbone recipe for a little heat and a lot of flavor.

If you are looking for other recipes with pasta, you are in the right place, I suggest you try the following delicious pasta recipes: