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creamy spicy vodka pasta alla gigi recipe - Creamy Spicy Vodka Pasta alla Gigi served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Creamy Spicy Vodka Pasta alla Gigi

creamy spicy vodka pasta alla gigi recipe made easy at home. A luscious, spicy, and utterly addictive pasta kissed with vodka and cream—made famous for good r
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta or penne, cooked al dente, ½ cup pasta water reserved
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup tomato paste preferably double-concentrated
  • 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to spice preference
  • ¼ cup vodka any plain vodka works
  • 1 cup heavy cream at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus more for serving
  • to taste kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil torn, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly and cook for 2–3 minutes until the paste deepens in color and starts to stick slightly to the pan.
  4. Pour in the vodka and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and the mixture thickens.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and butter until silky smooth. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time. Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add drained rigatoni to the skillet. Toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, and serve immediately.