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Spicy Calabrian Chili Rigatoni

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Spicy Calabrian Chili Rigatoni is a vibrant and bold pasta dish that brings the heat and flavor of Calabrian chilis to the plate. Combining the rich and comforting texture of rigatoni with the fiery, tangy heat of Calabrian chilis, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves a little spice in their meals. The blend of garlic, anchovies, and olive oil adds depth to the dish, while a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs finishes it off beautifully. If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick and full of flavor, this is the pasta for you.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Spicy Calabrian Chili Rigatoni:

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste or 2–3 finely chopped Calabrian chilis
  • 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic and Anchovies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If using anchovies, add them to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until they dissolve into the oil.
  2. Add the Calabrian Chilis: Stir in the Calabrian chili paste or chopped chilis and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to develop.
  3. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add a bit more pasta cooking water to create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  2. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili paste, depending on your preferred level of heat.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve the Pasta: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.

Equipment

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/spicy-calabrian-chili-rigatoni/