Spicy Rigatoni

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Create an Italian culinary experience with the creamy, rich, sweet, and spicy flavors in our Carbone-inspired Spicy Rigatoni.

Carbone is an Italian-American restaurant in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Hong Kong. Mario Carbone, the inventor of this beloved dish, may not give away his secret Carbone Spicy Rigatoni recipe, but we have created our own version that we know is just as good! If you want to save $34 on a pasta dish and create your own Italian restaurant meal at home, we have just the delightful dish for you. 

The silky sauce comes together with just a few ingredients and creates a flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. 

Ingredients to Make This Recipe

Our recipe uses 11 ingredients and, surprisingly, does not use Vodka. To create this dish, you will need: 

1. Pasta – We use Whole Foods Market Organic Pipe Rigate, but have also used Rigatoni
2. Olive Oil
3. Onion
4. Garlic Cloves
5. Tomato Paste
6. Sugar
7. Calabrian Peppers – We use DIVINA Chopped Calabrian Peppers
8. Pasta Water
9. Heavy Whipping Cream – We always use Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
10. Parmesan Cheese
11. Basil

Tips for Preparing Copycat Carbone Spicy Rigatoni

1. Saute the Garlic and Onions – Saute your garlic and chopped onions until they are fragrant and slightly caramelized. This step creates depth and richness in the sauce. 
2. Balance the Heat – We like to use one Tablespoon of Calabrian peppers, but you can always slowly add more until you achieve your desired heat level. 
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook slightly once you add it to the prepared sauce. 
4. Garnish Your Dish – We like to add fresh Basil ribbons to add flavor and presentation along with freshly grated Parmesan on top. 

What to Serve with this Dish 

If you want the full Carbone experience, we recommend starting with our Pickled Cauliflower and Carrots and serving it alongside our Roasted Broccoli and Garlic. 

How to Freeze Spicy Rigatoni

Freezing Spicy Rigatoni pasta can be a convenient way to enjoy this dish when you don’t have 30 minutes to prepare. 

We have a few tips to ensure that your frozen Spicy Rigatoni maintains its flavor, texture, and quality:

1. Cook Al Dente: When preparing the Rigatoni, cook it slightly less than al dente. It will continue to cook when reheated. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft after freezing.
2. Cool Quickly: Allow the cooked pasta to cool down quickly after cooking. You can spread the pasta out on a baking sheet in a single layer or pour cool water over the pasta while in a colander to speed up the cooling process and prevent overcooking.
3. Portion Control: Divide the pasta into individual or family-sized portions before freezing. 
4. Airtight Packaging: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to store the prepared dish. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
5. Sauce Consideration: Be aware that because the sauce is dairy-based, it can separate or change in texture after freezing and thawing.
6. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can use a stovetop, oven, or microwave to reheat the pasta. Add some water or extra sauce for microwave or stovetop reheating to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with aluminum foil if using the oven to prevent excessive browning.
7. Taste and Adjust: After reheating, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might find that the flavors have intensified during freezing, so adding a touch of fresh Basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese can help balance the dish.

While freezing can be a convenient option, the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing and reheating. By following our tips, you can preserve the essence of your dish and enjoy a delicious Italian dinner any day of the week.  

Whether it’s a weeknight indulgence, gathering of friends and family, or a special occasion that calls for culinary innovation, our Spicy Rigatoni recipe is the answer. 

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