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One Pot Spicy Rigatoni Recipe

4.7 from 51 reviews

This One Pot Spicy Rigatoni is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines the heat of crushed red pepper with the richness of heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Made entirely in one pot, it features perfectly cooked rigatoni simmered in a savory blend of marinara sauce and chicken broth, enhanced with sautéed shallots, garlic, and tender green peas. This comforting meal is quick and easy, ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, spicy Italian-inspired dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 small shallot, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (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)

Finishing Touches

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shavings
  • 1 cup cooked green peas

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter: Place the butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Let it melt completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn.
  2. Sauté shallots and garlic: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and mix thoroughly. Let the shallots and garlic soften while cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
  4. Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked rigatoni pasta, followed by the marinara sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and kosher salt. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
  5. Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 12-13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rigatoni is cooked to al dente.
  6. Combine finishing ingredients: Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream, cooked green peas, and parmesan cheese shavings. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens and all ingredients are well incorporated.
  7. Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the spicy rigatoni hot. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
  • Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt levels in the dish.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit any animal-derived ingredients if necessary.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: one pot pasta, spicy rigatoni, creamy pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta recipe, quick one pot meal