Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cook Time: 1 hour

Serving Size: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. mezzi rigatoni or lumache

• 4 tbsp. butter

• 1/4 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 oz. tomato paste

• 1 tbsp. crushed Calabrian chili pepper

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

• Pasta water as needed
  

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot. Sweat the onions, covered, over low heat for about 45 minutes until completely cooked and translucent. Check in every 5-10 minutes to stir and make sure the onions aren't turning brown.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding plenty of salt. Cook the pasta until it's al dente.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Add the tomato paste, crushed Calabrian chili and salt to the pot with the onions. Stir and let simmer on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.

5. Add 1/4 cup of vodka to deglaze. Stir until the vodka has fully evaporated.

6. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmigiano. Add more salt to taste.

7. Strain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

8. Add the pasta to a large pan along with the spicy vodka sauce and 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss on medium-high heat until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed.

9. Top with more grated Parmigiano.