1tspcrushed red pepper flakesreduce for milder heat
1tbsptomato paste
28ozcanned crushed tomatoes
1tspkosher saltplus more to taste
0.5tspfreshly ground black pepper
0.5tspgranulated sugarbalances acidity (optional)
0.5cupreserved pasta water
0.25cupchopped fresh basil
0.5cupgrated Parmesan cheesefor serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Soften the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to slightly darken and caramelize.
Pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes.
Toss in drained rigatoni and splash in the reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce clings to the pasta.
Fold in the chopped basil. Taste and adjust salt or heat as needed.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.
Notes
For extra heat, stir in a small spoon of Calabrian chile paste. Try penne or ziti instead of rigatoni, or add sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta for variation. Leftovers keep up to 4 days refrigerated; reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Rigatoni Arrabbiata Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.