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Spicy Rigatoni Vodka

A delicious "accident" inspired by one of my favorite pasta dishes from my one of my favorite Italian restaurants in New York City!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb Rigatoni
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 white onion sliced thinly
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • 2.2 oz or 1/2 tube of tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/6 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup pasta water reserved
  • 1 tbsp Trader Joe's Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • Boil pasta as per package instructions and set aside with reserved pasta water
  • While pasta is boiling, in another pan, add olive oil, butter and onions on medium low heat and cook down until onions have softened
  • Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes and let the spices cook down with the onions for a few minutes
  • Then add the tomato paste and minced garlic and mix thoroughly until the tomato paste is cooked down properly (5-7 minutes) and the raw smell of garlic is gone
  • Add the vodka, Calabrian chili sauce, and heavy cream and mix together and let simmer for a few minutes
  • The sauce will thicken up a bit and that is when you add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water
  • Mix until fully combined and garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve hot!

Notes