Sizzle and Spice: Elevating Dinner with Spicy Rigatoni Pasta and Garlic Herb Ricotta Topping
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure that packs a punch of flavor and leaves you craving more. Today, we're diving into the world of spicy rigatoni pasta topped with a creamy garlic herb ricotta mixture that takes this classic dish to new heights. Get ready to ignite your senses and tantalize your palate with every spicy, cheesy, and herb-infused bite!
You can also prepare this pasta with ground Italian sausage for a heartier meal! (simply just cook the meat before the below steps, then remove it from the heat and return once the sauce is complete.
Ingredients:
1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (Fire Roasted if you want to make it like me)
1/2 can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil (or more/Fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh Parmesan Cheese
Cooking Instructions:
Boil the Rigatoni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Spicy Tomato Sauce:
In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and golden.
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for that fiery kick, and stir until they release their aroma.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garlic Herb Ricotta Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, fresh parmesan cheese, salt & pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until well incorporated, infusing the ricotta with bursts of herbaceous goodness and zesty freshness.
Bringing It All Together:
Once the spicy tomato sauce is ready, add the cooked rigatoni directly to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that each rigatoni is coated in that spicy, tomatoey goodness.
If the sauce looks a bit thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Plate the spicy rigatoni pasta and dollop generous spoonfuls of the garlic herb ricotta topping on each serving. Watch as the creamy ricotta melts into the piping hot pasta, creating a luxurious and irresistible finish.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and some extra chopped herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, allowing your guests to savor the sizzle and spice of this mouthwatering masterpiece.
There you have it – a tantalizing journey through the world of spicy rigatoni pasta with garlic herb ricotta topping. From the fiery depths of the spicy tomato sauce to the creamy heights of the ricotta topping, every bite is a symphony of flavor that will leave you craving seconds. So, grab your forks, dig in, and prepare to elevate your dinner game with this unforgettable dish. Buon appetito!
Simmer that sauce