Wild Eats & Treats!

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Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

Diving into a bowl of Spicy Vodka Rigatoni is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vodka
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, torn for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Carefully add the vodka to the skillet, and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half, around 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce

1. Stir in the heavy cream, bringing the sauce back to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
2. For an extra luxurious touch, stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Recipe Summary

Spicy Vodka Rigatoni is a creamy, savory pasta with a kick, bound to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With a prep and cooking time of approximately 30 minutes and around 600 calories per serving, it’s a delicious indulgence you can enjoy without too much guilt. Perfectly paired with a side salad or garlic bread, it’s a dish that easily impresses and delights.

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