Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that’s quick to make and perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz rigatoni or penne
- 1 cup reserved cooking water
- Salt for boiling water
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus extra if desired)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (add more if preferred)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Additional chopped parsley
- Extra red pepper flakes
- More grated parmesan
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni or penne until al dente, reserving 1 cup of cooking water before draining.
- Add extra-virgin olive oil and minced garlic to the pot, sauté on medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the tomato paste, then slowly combine with the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes, dried basil, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss in the creamy sauce, using reserved cooking water to adjust consistency.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese and unsalted butter until melted and mixed well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and more red pepper flakes as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked shrimp or chicken. You can also customize with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg