Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni Vodka is a beloved dish from the famous New York Italian-American restaurant, known for its rich, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, you can recreate a similar version at home with the right blend of ingredients and techniques. Here’s how to make a Spicy Rigatoni Vodka inspired by Carbone’s signature dish:

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Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

This mouthwatering pasta dish is a beloved favorite among Italian food enthusiasts, renowned for its bold and intense flavors. Each bite of al dente rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce is a symphony of taste sensations that will ignite your palate and leave you craving more. Made with simple yet vibrant ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and pecorino cheese.

Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni is a testament to the power of classic Italian flavors elevated to perfection. Whether served as a comforting weeknight meal or as the star attraction at a dinner party, this pasta dish is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. So, channel your inner Italian chef and get ready to experience the culinary magic of Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)
1 cup tomato paste (high-quality for the best flavor)
1/2 cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Pasta

1 lb rigatoni pasta
Salted water, for boiling

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste, stirring frequently, until it begins to darken slightly, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
Carefully pour in the vodka (the pan may flare up if you’re cooking on a gas stove). Cook until the vodka is mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the rigatoni evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve:
Serve the spicy rigatoni hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Tips

Vodka Substitution: If you prefer not to use vodka, you can omit it, although it adds a unique flavor and helps to emulsify the sauce. A non-alcoholic substitute could be a bit of lemon juice or water.
Adjusting Spiciness: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to how spicy you like your sauce. Start with less and add more as needed.
Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a touch of unsalted butter at the end of cooking.

Enjoy your homemade version of Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, a comforting and luxurious dish perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent.

FAQs about Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

1. How spicy is Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni?

The spiciness of Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni can vary depending on personal taste and the amount of chili flakes used. It typically has a noticeable kick but is not overwhelmingly spicy.

2. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness in Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes used. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your preference.

3. What type of pasta should I use for Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni?

Rigatoni is the traditional pasta used for Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni recipe. However, you can also use other short pasta shapes like penne or ziti if rigatoni is not available.

4. Can I make Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, you can make Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni vegetarian-friendly by omitting the meat-based ingredients such as pancetta or guanciale. Simply skip these ingredients or replace them with vegetarian alternatives.

5. Can I make Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce for Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cook the pasta separately and toss it with the reheated sauce before serving.

6. What should I serve with Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni?

Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and a crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe