Creamy Tomato Rigatoni alla Vodka
My goto rigatoni recipe Creamy tomato vodka sauce with a cheeky kick of chilli Ready in under an hour its the ultimate comfort food Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy
Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Recipe That'll Knock Your Socks Off
Fancy a bit of yummy comfort food ? Honestly, who doesn't need a big bowl of pasta sometimes? This rigatoni recipe is my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal.
What's the Big Deal With This Rigatoni Recipe , Then?
We're talking pancetta rigatoni with a creamy tomato sauce! It's got a bit of a kick, thanks to some red pepper flakes.
Think Nonna's kitchen but with a bit of a modern twist. This Italian pasta dishes vibe is strong, and it's proper comfort foods .
This creamy tomato pasta has origins in Italy. I’d say is a solid choice for a weeknight pasta recipes . Making time estimates: Prep time? 20 minutes.
Cook Time? 35 minutes. So, done in under an hour! This recipe serves 6. It is medium difficulty, so not super hard to do.
Why You'll Love This Rigatoni Recipes
Apart from tasting amazing, it's got tomatoes, which are packed with antioxidants! Plus, it's the perfect dish for a relaxed dinner party or a family get-together.
The subtle warmth of the vodka in the vodka sauce recipe makes it extra special, you know? A true winner for pasta dinner ideas !
On a random thought, my first attempt? Let’s say the sauce was a bit… runny. I forgot to reserve some pasta water! So don't make my mistake.
Now, let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?
Creamy Tomato Rigatoni alla Vodka Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for this Rigatoni Recipe
Alright, mate. Fancy making some seriously yummy comfort food ? This rigatoni recipe is a winner. Honestly, it's one of my favourite Italian pasta dishes .
Before we get stuck in, let’s get organised. Here is all about what you will need.
Main Ingredients for the Best Creamy Tomato Pasta
For that proper pancetta rigatoni flavour base, you'll need: 4 oz (115g) of diced pancetta. Get good quality stuff, you know? Then 1 medium yellow onion , chopped finely.
And 2 cloves of garlic , minced. A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick for a bit of cheek!
The Vodka Sauce Recipe needs these: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 (28 oz/794g) can of crushed tomatoes. Oh my gosh!, you’ll need 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream.
1/4 cup (60ml) of vodka – don't be shy! I am sure you already knew that you will need 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Last, get 1/4 cup (15g) of grated parmesan cheese.
Last, but not least, For the stars in our Pasta Dinner Ideas section, you will need: 1 pound (454g) rigatoni pasta.
Seasoning like a Pro
This Weeknight Pasta Recipes needs essential spice combinations. Oregano is essential. Red pepper flakes add a subtle zing. A dash of parmesan makes everything better, doesn't it?.
If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning works a treat. Honestly, sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
I swear, no one can tell the difference!
Gear Up: Essential Equipment
Right, let's talk tools. You will need a big pot for the pasta. Got one? Good. A large skillet or sauté pan for the sauce.
A wooden spoon or spatula is essential, nothing fancy. You will also need a colander to drain your pasta. If you haven't got a colander, you could use the lid and a bit of skill, but watch out for the steam!
Get Your Rigatoni On: Creamy Tomato Pasta Magic
Honestly, you guys, this rigatoni recipe is a total game changer. It's like the yummy comfort food you crave on a rainy day, but elevated.
Think proper Italian pasta dishes , not just jar sauce on noodles!
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted
First things first: chop that pancetta (115g), dice your onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic. It's all about the mise en place .
This means getting everything in its place. Having all your ingredients prepped saves so much time when you're actually cooking.
Rigatoni Recipe: Let's Make Some Magic
Okay, ready to rock? Here's how to make this awesome pancetta rigatoni recipe
- Boil your rigatoni in salted water until al dente . Save a cup of that pasta water.
- Fry 115g diced pancetta in a pan until crispy. Take it out but leave the yummy fat!
- Cook chopped onion in the fat until soft. Add your minced garlic and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of cheek.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, then add ¼ cup vodka. This step is my favourite. It makes your vodka sauce recipe so good! Cook for a minute.
- Add a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup parmesan until creamy.
Pro Tips for Yummy Comfort Food
Want to take your rigatoni recipes to the next level? Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key. A common mistake is not tasting as you go.
Add salt, pepper or more red pepper flakes as needed. The fresh basil adds a burst of freshness
This creamy tomato pasta recipe is seriously the best. Plus, the slight heat from the chilli flakes? Oh my gosh, it's amazing.
Perfect for weeknight pasta recipes or a fancy pasta dinner idea. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Pasta Pro
Honestly, these rigatoni recipes are just the starting point. It's all about making it your own. So, grab your apron and let's dive into some extra tips and tricks to make this creamy tomato pasta sing! These are my go-tos to make sure it is the best comfort foods ever
Elevating Your Plate: Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you've got this steaming bowl of pancetta rigatoni . How do you make it look as good as it tastes? I always start with a generous swirl of the vodka sauce recipe , then pile on the pasta.
A sprinkle of fresh basil is essential , and don't be shy with the Parmesan! For sides, a simple garlic bread is always a winner, or a crisp green salad cuts through the richness beautifully.
Oh, and a glass of Italian red wine? Chef's kiss .
Storing for Later: Tips and Tricks
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This rigatoni recipe is fantastic the next day. For refrigeration, pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good for up to three days.
To reheat, either microwave it (add a splash of water to keep it moist) or gently warm it in a pan on the stove.
Freezing is also an option! Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. Reheat straight from frozen, but give it a good stir to make sure it's heated through.
Switching it Up: Variations to Try
Fancy a change? This yummy comfort food is super versatile. For a vegetarian option, ditch the pancetta and add some roasted veggies like mushrooms or courgettes.
You can also adapt this rigatoni recipe with the seasons. In summer, use fresh tomatoes and basil. In winter, add a pinch of chilli flakes for extra warmth.
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep this simple. This Italian pasta dishes is satisfying and has around 550 calories per serving. It’s got about 25g of protein to keep you full, but also a fair amount of fat (around 28g).
It has a decent amount of carbohydrates (55g) so perfect Pasta dinner ideas for weeknight pasta recipes . Remember to drink water! Also, that parmesan has calcium for healthy bones.
Seriously, don't be scared to experiment with this rigatoni . Cooking should be fun! This rigatoni recipe is really simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is rigatoni and can I use something else if I haven't got any?
Rigatoni is a tube-shaped pasta with ridges, perfect for grabbing onto hearty sauces like the vodka sauce in this rigatoni recipe. If you're all out, penne or ziti would be reasonable substitutes, though you might not get quite the same sauce-clinging magic. Think of it like swapping out Yorkshire puddings for roast potatoes – similar, but not quite the same Sunday roast experience!
My sauce isn't as creamy as the pictures! What am I doing wrong with this rigatoni recipe?
Creaminess is key! First, make sure you're using heavy cream and not something lighter. Secondly, the starchy pasta water is your secret weapon. Add a splash or two to the sauce as you toss the pasta in, and it will help emufy everything into a silky, luxurious texture. It's like adding a bit of the gravy to your mash – brings it all together!
Vodka in pasta sauce? Really? Can I skip it?
Trust us on this one! The vodka doesn't make the sauce taste like a cocktail; instead, it enhances the tomato flavour and adds a subtle warmth. If you really want to skip it, you can, but the sauce won't have quite the same depth. Think of it like adding a splash of vinegar to a vinaigrette – it just brightens everything up. If you do skip it, maybe add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
How long will leftover rigatoni last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover Creamy Tomato Rigatoni alla Vodka will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken up. You can either microwave it (stirring occasionally) or reheat it gently in a pan on the stovetop.
Can I make this rigatoni recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pancetta. To add some depth of flavour, consider using a high-quality vegetable broth instead of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. You could also sauté some mushrooms or other vegetables with the onions and garlic for a heartier, veggie-packed version.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni alla Vodka?
This rigatoni dish is quite rich, so something light and refreshing works best. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a winner. Garlic bread is classic, too, for soaking up all that lovely sauce. And, of course, a nice glass of Italian red wine wouldn't go amiss!
