Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

This Spicy Vodka Rigatoni is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with a touch of heat. Rigatoni is tossed in a smooth tomato cream sauce with vodka and spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.

Course entree

Cuisine Italian

Keyword spicy vodka rigatoni

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 769kcal

Author Tanya

Ingredients

8 oz rigatoni noodles
½ lb spicy Italian sausage
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ medium sweet onion very finely diced
1 tablespoon Calabrian chopped chili peppers
6 ounces tomato paste
¼ cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream room temperature
¼ cup reserved pasta water set aside after cooking the pasta
¼ cup loosely packed grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Salt to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until just before al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the sweet onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in the Calabrian chili peppers and cook for a minute. Add the tomato paste and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates and the alcohol smell dissipates. Stir in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, then remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Add the browned sausage and cooked pasta, tossing until evenly coated.
Divide among serving bowls and top with fresh basil and extra grated cheese.

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