Carbone Spicy Rigatoni
Recreate the iconic Carbone Spicy Rigatoni right in your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. A blend of spicy Calabrian chili paste, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe will bring the flavors of New York’s Carbone restaurant straight to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Rigatoni Pasta Preferably high-quality bronze-cut
- 2-3 tbsp Calabrian Chili Paste Key flavor component
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter European style preferred
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Freshly grated, for garnish
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream Full-fat
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin, for cooking
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Basil (optional) For garnish
- Salt and Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic and measure out the chili paste, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil.
- Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt, mixing everything together into a creamy base.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest for garnish.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Carbone Spicy Rigatoni!
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste based on your preference for heat.
- Creaminess: Add more cream or pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Alternative Pasta: You can use penne or ziti instead of rigatoni if necessary.