Introduction
Transform humble rigatoni into a flavor explosion with this spicy basil recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even your family!) with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Why This Works
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between speed and satisfaction. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes complements the fresh basil beautifully, while the simple ingredient list ensures it’s always accessible. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again when you’re short on time but craving something exciting.
Key Ingredients
🍝 1 pound rigatoni pasta
🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
🌿 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🧅 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🧈 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3️⃣ Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Combine and serve: Add the cooked rigatoni and chopped basil to the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5️⃣ Garnish and enjoy: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Handy Tips
- Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil. However, fresh is always best!
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for this recipe. Low heat will take too long to cook the onions and garlic, resulting in a mushy texture. High heat can burn the sauce before it simmers down properly. Maintain a consistent medium heat throughout the cooking process for the best results.
Crunch Factor
The slight bite of the red pepper flakes adds a pleasant textural contrast to the soft rigatoni and the fresh basil. The Parmesan cheese also provides a nice salty crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic.
Storage Tips
Store leftover rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of water or pasta water when reheating to restore to your desired consistency.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t ideal for gifting, as it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Creamy Spicy Basil: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
🌟 Sausage Spicy Basil: Add 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage to the sauce along with the onions and garlic.
🌟 Spinach and Spicy Basil: Incorporate 1 cup of baby spinach into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
🌟 Vegetarian Spicy Basil: Omit the sausage and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thick: Add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
- Pasta overcooked: Reduce cooking time next time. Check for doneness a minute or two earlier than package directions suggest.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine just before serving.
- What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese? You can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? It’s not recommended to freeze this recipe; the texture might suffer.
Conclusion
This Speedy Spicy Basil Rigatoni is a weeknight lifesaver! Its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it a perfect go-to recipe for busy cooks. We hope you enjoy it – and don’t forget to share your creations on Ratemyrecipes.com!
30-Minute Spicy Basil Rigatoni: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and flavorful rigatoni dish infused with spicy basil and garlic, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sautu00e9 for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Once the rigatoni is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and aroma.