Name: Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; extra Parmesan for serving

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If you’re looking for a knockout dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Creamy, cheesy, just the right amount of spicy, and ready in just 20 minutes, this dish brings together simple ingredients for a restaurant-level meal that feels special without any fuss. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and excitement in every bite.

Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe takes humble pantry staples and transforms them into a showstopper. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the creamy, spicy, and robust flavors that make this pasta so irresistible.

Rigatoni Pasta: The tube shape loves to hold onto creamy sauce, delivering maximum flavor in every forkful.
Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps bloom the garlic and chili flavors right from the start.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings an irresistible aroma and savory depth to the dish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Give you that signature kick; adjust them up or down depending on your spice preference.
Marinara Sauce: Provides a tangy, tomatoey base to balance the creaminess and spices perfectly.
Heavy Cream: The key to that dreamy, velvety sauce texture you’ll crave again and again.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each element pop.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and rounds out the flavors of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for that iconic creamy, nutty finish.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the pasta with a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor.
Extra Parmesan for Serving: Because a little extra cheese makes everything better!

How to Make Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this liquid gold will help you achieve that perfect silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spice

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This awakens their flavors without letting the garlic burn.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir to blend everything together, and let it come to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see the sauce turn a gorgeous blush pink and start to thicken.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your drained rigatoni directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure each pasta tube gets coated with the spicy, creamy sauce. If it looks too thick, trickle in some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. The cheese melts right in, adding richness and body, while the parsley brightens up every bite — don’t skip this finishing touch!

How to Serve Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Pile on extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving. For an even bigger flavor punch, add a small drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of fresh black pepper over the top.

Side Dishes

This pasta loves company! Serve it alongside crisp garlic bread, a green salad with zippy vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe the star of your next gathering by serving it family-style in a big bowl, or even as individual portions in shallow pasta plates. Try topping it with a few roasted cherry tomatoes or some grilled chicken or sausage for a personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they cool. This Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe stays delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator — just give it a little toss before reheating to distribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

While creamy sauces can sometimes change texture in the freezer, you can freeze this dish in a pinch. Place portions in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s creaminess, and be sure to stir often so it heats evenly without separating.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Use just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or even omit them), and you’ll still have a flavorful, creamy rigatoni with just a hint of warmth.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. A splash of pasta cooking water can also help create creaminess.

Which proteins work best as add-ins?

Try Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a protein boost that pairs beautifully with the sauce’s flavors.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While rigatoni is classic in this Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe, penne, ziti, or even fusilli will soak up the sauce wonderfully.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling once you add the cream. Stirring in the cheese at the end off the heat helps keep everything smooth and glossy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, you’ll want to put this Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe on repeat. From casual weeknights to dinner parties with friends, it delivers big time comfort and flavor. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is a delicious and creamy dish with a kick of heat. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add marinara sauce, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and serve hot.