October 13, 2024

Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

Love Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni Vodka? This is the only copy cat recipe you need.

IYKYK. And if you don’t, just make this pasta sauce—you may never look at homemade pasta sauce the same way again. This Spicy Vodka Rigatoni is spicy but with flavor, creamy and velvety, with just the right amount of tang. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for making ahead, freezing, or meal prepping. It’s the one sauce you’ll be making again and again.

a plate of spicy vodka rigatoni

If you’re from New York City, chances are you know what “spicy rigs” is. If you’re not from New York or have never heard of Carbone’s spicy rigatoni, this post might just change the way you think about vodka sauce. This spicy vodka rigatoni recipe is creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and just addictive enough to keep you coming back for more.

When the pandemic hit, countless food blogs shared copycat recipes of Carbone’s iconic spicy vodka rigatoni. I tried a few—some were good, and some, not so much. I was surprised at how many were just plain vodka sauce with chili flakes. Nothing like the original. Plus, some recipes called for multiple pots… nobody has time for that. This recipe is not only quick and easy but might just become your go-to vodka sauce recipe.

ingredients for spicy rigatoni

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR SPICY VODKA RIGATONI

  • Pasta – Rigatoni or a variation like shellbows is the recommended pasta for this sauce. However, other macaroni-type pasta such as penne or cavatappi (cellentani) also works well for this recipe.
  • Calabrian Chili Paste – This is the key ingredient and non-substitutable. Calabrian chili peppers have become increasingly popular over the past two years and can usually be found in supermarkets near olives and sandwich spreads. My favorite is Delallo Crushed Calabrian Chilis, but I also love Trader Joe’s Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce. Need an option on Amazon? Try this ONE (*affiliate link).
  • Shallots
  • Garlic – A whole bulb, which means… fresh only! Yes, all of it is necessary. If you prefer pre-peeled, then use 10-12 cloves.
  • Tomato Paste
  • Crushed Tomatoes
  • Vodka
  • Heavy Cream – If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can substitute half-and-half, though the heavy cream is what makes the dish super creamy.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Choose good-quality Parmesan cheese, not the pre-shredded stuff you find outside of the refrigerator section.
macro image of dried shellbows

TOOLS NEEDED

Large Pot / Pan – This recipe yields enough sauce for one box of pasta, so keep that in mind when choosing your pot. I like to use a Dutch oven for recipes like this, but any large skillet or pot that allows you to comfortably mix the pasta with the sauce at the end will work just as well.

a plate of spicy vodka rigatoni

HOW TO MAKE SPICY VODKA RIGATONI

Cook The Aromatics – In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the shallots and cook until they’re soft, fragrant, and translucent but not browned. This will take about 8-10 minutes. If they start to brown, lower the heat. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Build the Sauce – Add the tomato paste and Calabrian chilis, stirring to combine them with the shallots and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Deglaze the pan with vodka and allow the alcohol to cook off for about 3 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer with the lid on for 5 minutes. After simmering, salt to taste.

step by step: cooking the sauce with crushed tomatoes

Finish the Sauce – Add the heavy cream and simmer for another 3-5 minutes. Make sure that the sauce is just at a simmer, we aren’t looking to boil and potentially break the sauce. Turn off the heat, add the Parmesan cheese, and mix until fully incorporated. If eating right away, add the cooked al dente pasta and toss to combine. If making in advance, see below for storing and reheating instructions.

step by step: mixing in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese

RECIPE VIDEO

A QUESTION OR TWO THAT YOU MAY HAVE

Can I make this rigatoni alla vodka without vodka?
Absolutely! Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but the dish is still great without it.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! this is a great recipe to make in advance as well as double or triple the recipe it if you are cooking for a crowd. See below for storing and reheating instructions.

Can I replace Calabrian chilis for red pepper flakes?
Yes and no, the Calabrian chilis add not only heat but flavor to the dish. Remove them and you are making a spicy all vodka sauce and not a Carbone copycat. If you are okay with that then start with 1/2 tsp and add from there.

What can I serve with this?
Looking to make this a bit more substantial? Add a protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp are great additions to this creamy tomato sauce pasta dish.

macro shot of spicy vodka rigatoni

STORING/REHEATING

This is a fantastic sauce to make a day or two ahead and reheat when ready to eat. I love making it in bulk for family events because it stores so well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop the sauce in a saucepan and heat it on the stove until warm. Add your pasta and enjoy!

If you’ve already mixed the pasta with the sauce and need to store and reheat it, follow the same process—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating this pasta dish place the leftovers in a pan with a splash of water, broth, or, even better, leftover pasta water. I like to reserve pasta water and freeze it, so I always have some on hand for reheating pasta. Let’s be honest, microwaving pasta never brings the dish back the way it should.

Looking for more spicy pasta dishes? Check out the recipes below!

Spicy Aglio e Olio
Blistering Tomato Marinara
Spicy Caper Pasta

October 13, 2024

Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
This spicy vodka rigatoni recipe is creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and just addictive enough to keep you coming back for more.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Pasta, Spicy, Vodka Sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 3/4 – 1 lb Pasta pipette or short rigatoni
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 1 bulb Garlic 10-12 cloves. minced.
  • 1 cup Shallots approx 2 large shallots. Rough dice.
  • 1/4 cup Tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup Vodka
  • 2 tbsp Calabrian Chili Paste or Trader Joes Bomba Sauce
  • 1 1/4 cup Crushed Tomatoes canned
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt & Pepper kosher salt

Instructions

  • In a deep pot or large pan heat the butter over medium-low heat.
  • Once butter is melted add the shallots and a heavy pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes until shallots have sweated out and are translucent. * there should be no color on them, if they begin to brown turn down the heat.
  • Add in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and Calabrian chilis and combine with onions and garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, mixing every so often. Pour in the vodka and simmer for approx. 4 minutes on low.
  • Toss in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes with the lid on.
  • Slowly add in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer (not boil) for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and mix until well incorporated.
  • Add in pasta and serve.

Notes

  • Want it really spicy add 3 tbsp of the Calabrian pepper paste!

RATE + REVIEW What did you think of this recipe?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Do not sell or share my personal information.
You have chosen to opt-out of the sale or sharing of your information from this site and any of its affiliates. To opt back in please click the "Customize my ad experience" link.

This site collects information through the use of cookies and other tracking tools. Cookies and these tools do not contain any information that personally identifies a user, but personal information that would be stored about you may be linked to the information stored in and obtained from them. This information would be used and shared for Analytics, Ad Serving, Interest Based Advertising, among other purposes.

For more information please visit this site's Privacy Policy.
CANCEL
CONTINUE