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Spicy Vodka Rigatoni Recipe with Crispy Pancetta Crumble

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A creamy and spicy vodka sauce pasta topped with crispy pancetta crumble, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced small
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 11-13 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pancetta fat. Cook gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Pour in vodka and simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off alcohol and thicken sauce.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
  6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until sauce is silky and combined.
  7. Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
  8. Divide rigatoni among bowls. Top with crispy pancetta crumble, chopped basil or parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Keep heat moderate to avoid burning garlic or curdling cream. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use quality vodka for best flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level. Pancetta crumble adds essential texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy vodka rigatoni, pancetta crumble, creamy vodka sauce, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, rigatoni recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/spicy-vodka-rigatoni-recipe-with-crispy-pancetta-crumble-easy-and-flavorful/