There’s something incredibly satisfying about Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni that makes it stand out in the culinary world.
This dish, known for its zesty sauce and perfectly al dente pasta, has become a beloved favorite, transforming any meal into a special occasion.
Inspired by the famous Carbone restaurant in New York, this recipe delivers that same unforgettable flavor right in your own kitchen.
What makes this rigatoni truly special is its blend of a rich tomato base with a spicy kick, all balanced by the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese.
Its rising popularity among home cooks highlights the allure of recreating this restaurant classic at home, offering both an impressive dish for guests and a rewarding cooking experience.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Comforting and Flavorful: I love how the spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy mascarpone. It’s comforting yet exciting—ideal for a cozy night in or a special dinner.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreating this dish gives me a taste of Carbone’s magic without the city trip. It’s a great way to enjoy gourmet food at home.
- Customizable Heat Levels: You can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste. I’ve made it both mild and fiery, depending on my mood and guests.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This dish always gets rave reviews from friends and family. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Tempting Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Recipe
Equipment
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot
- Immersion blender or traditional blender
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1/4 c vodka
- 1 lb pipette or lumaconi pasta
- 2,1/2 c onion (about 2 medium), finely chopped
- 2 to 4 tbsp crushed Calabrian chiles in oil, to taste
- 1 can whole tomatoes
- 1 c heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- 1,1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Caramelize onions and garlic, then set aside a portion.
- Cook tomato paste until darkened, then add tomatoes and vodka.
- Simmer sauce until thickened, then stir in heavy cream.
- Blend sauce until smooth, then return to pot.
- Boil pasta until al dente, reserving pasta water.
- Simmer sauce with pasta water and Parmesan until desired consistency.
- Add reserved onions and pasta to sauce, toss until coated and heated.
- Serve with Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Get the pasta just cooked, but not mushy.
- Simmering and thickening the cream sauce is very normal. To get a glossy, vivid sauce, this is a must-do.
Nutrition
Try These Variations and Substitutions!
- Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or sausage to the pasta for an extra protein punch. Simply cook your protein of choice separately and toss it in with the sauce and pasta before serving.
- Veggie Delight: Amp up the veggie content by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce. Sauté the veggies along with the onions and garlic until tender before proceeding with the recipe.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
- Creamy Variation: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. This will give the sauce a slightly different flavor profile but still maintain its creamy texture.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to the sauce for added freshness and flavor. Stir them in right before serving for the best taste.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese, Gruyère, or fontina in place of Parmesan for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly as different cheeses vary in saltiness.
These variations offer exciting ways to customize your Creamy Vodka Pasta and keep things interesting in the kitchen! Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Carbone Spicy Rigatoni?
