The BEST Copycat Recipe For Carbone's Spicy Rigatoni

Carbone’s spicy rigatoni is the perfect balance of rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat from the Calabrian chili paste. This dish is a favorite at the iconic Carbone restaurant, and with this recipe, you can easily recreate it at home. The creamy tomato sauce, spiked with vodka, clings to perfectly cooked rigatoni, making it a comforting yet indulgent meal that’s ready in no time.

My Take on Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni

The first time I had Carbone’s spicy rigatoni, I was hooked. The rich, velvety sauce and the hint of spice left me craving more. Naturally, I had to try making it myself, and after a few tweaks, this recipe is spot on to the restaurants.

The Calabrian chili paste gives the sauce a subtle heat that complements the creamy tomato base beautifully.

What I love about this recipe is that it feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a special date night or when you just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality pasta dish without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious spicy rigatoni:

• 8 oz rigatoni
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium white onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoon Calabrian chili paste
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ¼ cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Salt to taste

How to Make Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni

Just 5 simple steps are all you have to follow to make Carbone's rigatoni at home.

Step One: Cook the Pasta

Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente.

Then, drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.

Step Two: Sauté the Aromatics

In a nonstick pan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. If the onions start to brown, lower the heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step Three: Build the Sauce

Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Deglaze the pan with vodka, allowing it to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.

Step Four: Add the Cream

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and changes from salmon pink to a rich, bright orange. Season with salt to taste.

Step Five: Combine the Pasta and Serve

Stir in the parmesan cheese, then add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce.

Toss to coat, loosening the sauce with a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water if needed.

Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta.

Serve topped with extra parmesan and fresh basil.

FAQs About Spicy Rigatoni

Can I substitute the vodka?

Yes! If you’d rather not use vodka, you can leave it out entirely or substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth for flavor.

How spicy is the dish?

The level of heat in this dish is mild to moderate, thanks to the Calabrian chili paste. If you prefer a spicier dish, simply increase the amount of chili paste to suit your taste.

How to Store Spicy Rigatoni

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Expert Tips for Making Perfect Spicy Rigatoni

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure the rigatoni is cooked al dente, which means firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture when tossed in the sauce.
2. Don’t Rush the Onions: Cooking the onions slowly until they’re soft and translucent is key to building depth of flavor in the sauce. If they start caramelizing, reduce the heat.
3. Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer more or less heat, feel free to adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste. Start with a little, then add more if you want to turn up the spice.
4. Use Quality Parmesan: A good quality parmesan cheese will elevate the dish, adding a nutty and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
5. Loosen the Sauce with Pasta Water: Adding a bit of reserved pasta water at the end helps loosen the sauce and gives it a glossy finish, ensuring it clings to the rigatoni perfectly.

My Final Thoughts

Carbone’s spicy rigatoni is the ultimate comfort dish that’s both rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. It’s easy to make, and the combination of cream, tomato, and chili is sure to impress. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do—leave a comment below if you try it!

More Delicious Pasta Recipes

If you love pasta as much as I do, check out these popular recipes on the blog:

• Copycat Cheesecake Factory 4 cheese pasta
• Chicken rasta pasta
• Creamy chicken and chorizo pasta
• Marry me chicken pasta 
• Crockpot chicken spaghetti