Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka
Comfort food at it’s best: Rigatoni alla Vodka
Hello! I hope you all had an amazing weekend! I am in serious disbelief at how fast this winter has flown by. We had our Club Championships at our ski club….the kids did AMAZING, as did my husband. They are such keen little ski racers and I love to cheer them on! My middle daughter leaves on Wednesday for the Provincial championships against all the other U16 kids and I am so nervous about it. Can you relate when your kids compete in sports? My stomach is already in knots!
On to today’s recipe….I made this delicious Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka last night when we got home from the cabin. This is one of those dishes that seems so much more fancy than it is. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes - even 20, actually! It delivers on both flavour and comfort.
I always order this when we eat out at Italian restaurants. You won’t believe how easy this is to make at home. This is one dish that I can’t help myself but to overeat - the sauce is plate-licking-delicious!
I like to add some crispy pancetta on top, but that is optional.
Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka
Ingredients:
300 g rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 large (or 3 small) garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1-2 tsp chili flakes (or to taste). I stop at 1 tsp. You measure with your heart!
2/3 cup vodka
1/3 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup PASTA WATER (I’m shouting this so you don’t forget to scoop it out!)
2 tbsp butter
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
optional : Fresh mozzarella and freshly chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Directions:
Put a large pot of water on to boil and salt generously (about 2 tbsp). When boiling, cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente.
In a large pan over medium high heat, cook the onion in some olive oil. When beginning to turn translucent, add the garlic and chili flakes.
Add in the tomato paste and cook for 2 mins then deglaze the pan with the vodka. Cook until the vodka has mostly reduced (evaporated).
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer. Add in the pasta water 1/3 of a cup at a time until you get the sauce your desired consistency.
Add the pasta to the sauce and let them absorb the sauce for about 3 minutes. Add in the butter and top with parmesan.
Garnish with torn fresh mozzarella and the chopped parsley/basil. Serve and enjoy!
Enjoy!
Craving pasta? I got you! Check out these delicious options…
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I LOVE to hear from you! What did you think of this recipe? Don’t forget to tag me @christies.lovestory. I love seeing your kitchen creations!