One Pot Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Spicy Rigatoni is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With a touch of heat from crushed red pepper and a rich sauce made in a single pot, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small diced shallot
• 5 cloves minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (more or less to taste)
• 16 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 20 ounces good quality marinara sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less to taste)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shavings
• 1 cup cooked green peas

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the butter in a pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the pan.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper and stir to combine. Cook the shallots and garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning or sticking.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rigatoni pasta to the pot, then pour in the marinara sauce, broth, and kosher salt. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Step 4: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the pasta cook for about 12-13 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: Once the rigatoni is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream, cooked peas, and parmesan cheese. Cook over medium heat, mixing until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and ensure the marinara sauce contains no meat products.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the heat level to your liking.
• Fresh basil or parsley makes a great garnish to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti will work well in this recipe since they can hold the sauce nicely and cook well in one pot.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as a lighter or dairy-free alternative, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

One Pot Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

A creamy, spicy one-pot rigatoni recipe that combines marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and parmesan for a comforting Italian-inspired meal. This dish is quick to prepare, using just one pot for an easy cleanup, and features tender rigatoni simmered in a flavorful broth, finished with heavy cream and peas for added richness and color.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small diced shallot
• 5 cloves minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• 16 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 20 ounces good quality marinara sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shavings
• 1 cup cooked green peas

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter and Sauté Aromatics: Place the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, add the diced shallot and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Red Pepper and Soften Aromatics: Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes into the pot and stir to combine. Allow the shallots and garlic to cook and soften for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning or sticking.
3. Add Pasta and Liquids, Bring to Boil: Add the uncooked rigatoni pasta to the pot, followed by the marinara sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture up to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the rigatoni cook for about 12-13 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with Cream, Peas, and Cheese: When the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, cooked green peas, and parmesan cheese shavings. Cook over medium heat, mixing until the sauce thickens slightly and all ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and extra parmesan for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
• Use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a great garnish.
• Stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.

Keywords: one pot rigatoni, spicy rigatoni, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, one pot pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick dinner, comfort food