{"id":"6d6fc696-9d4f-411b-aeda-4d4a6dc87f30","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/6d6fc696-9d4f-411b-aeda-4d4a6dc87f30","source_url":"https://homecookingcollective.com/carbones-spicy-rigatoni-vodka-pasta-copycat-recipe/","title":"Carbone's Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta (Copycat Recipe)","description":"This copycat Carbone spicy vodka rigatoni delivers a delicious plate of spicy, glossy, and creamy tomato pasta easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Sweet onions and calabrian chilies bring this dish to the next level.","servings":4,"servings_text":"4","prep_time":"PT12M","cook_time":"PT28M","total_time":"PT40M","image_url":"https://homecookingcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Spicy_Vodka_Carbone_LEAD-4.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"8 ounces dried short pasta* (such as rigatoni, pipette, or lumache)","item":"dried short pasta*","quantity":8,"unit":"oz","preparation":"such as rigatoni, pipette, or lumache"},{"text":"4 tablespoons unsalted butter","item":"unsalted butter","quantity":4,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1/2 medium Spanish onion (or another sweet onion | very finely diced)","item":"medium Spanish onion","quantity":0.5,"preparation":"or another sweet onion | very finely diced"},{"text":"2 tablespoons water","item":"water","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"Salt","item":"Salt"},{"text":"3 medium garlic cloves (grated or finely minced)","item":"medium garlic cloves","quantity":3,"preparation":"grated or finely minced"},{"text":"1 1/2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (plus more if desired)","item":"Calabrian chili paste","quantity":1.5,"unit":"tsp","preparation":"plus more if desired"},{"text":"1/4 cup tomato paste","item":"tomato paste","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1/4 cup vodka (or vegetable broth)","item":"vodka","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","preparation":"or vegetable broth"},{"text":"1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)","item":"heavy cream","quantity":1,"unit":"cup","preparation":"room temperature"},{"text":"1/4 cup loosely packed grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (plus more for topping)","item":"loosely packed grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","preparation":"plus more for topping"},{"text":"Fresh basil (for serving)","item":"Fresh basil","preparation":"for serving"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces dried short pasta* according to package instructions until just before al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain pasta."},{"number":2,"text":"Soften the onions: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add diced 1/2 medium Spanish onion and saute for 10 minutes until onions are soft (but not brown) and translucent. Add 2 tablespoons water to deglaze the pan, and continue cooking for an additional 5 - 10 minutes until very soft. Season with a pinch of salt.Note: If the onions begin to brown at all, add a splash of water and lower the heat."},{"number":3,"text":"Cook the remaining aromatics: Add grated 3 medium garlic cloves and 1 1/2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste, and saute for 1 minute."},{"number":4,"text":"Cook tomato paste: Over medium heat, add 1/4 cup tomato paste and cook down for about 2 - 3 minutes, stirring frequently until any remaining moisture evaporates from the puree. The paste should darken to brick-red and begin to stick to the sides of the pan."},{"number":5,"text":"Deglaze with vodka: Stir in 1/4 cup vodka (or vegetable broth) and simmer for 1 - 2 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates and the smell dissipates."},{"number":6,"text":"Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 5 - 8 minutes (or until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon and transforms from salmon pink to bright orange). Note: Don't be afraid to let the cream sauce simmer and thicken! It's an essential step to ensuring a glossy, vibrant sauce."},{"number":7,"text":"Finish sauce: Season sauce with salt, and reduce heat to low. Stir 1/4 cup loosely packed grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese and cooked pasta into sauce. Loosen the sauce with a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water, then reduce for 1 - 2 minutes until the sauce looks glossy and clings to the pasta. Taste and season again with salt and pepper as needed."},{"number":8,"text":"Divide among serving bowls, and top with basil leaves and additional grated cheese if desired."}],"date_published":"2026-10-29T23:49:17.444306+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-29T23:49:17.444306+00:00"}