# Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka

This creamy, spicy, rich, and saucy pasta recipe combines caramelized shallots and garlic with bright tomato paste and decadent cream, with vodka to marry the disparate elements.

- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- pasta
- salt
- 5 large shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 16 oz can tomato paste
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
- 0.5 cup vodka
- 2 cups pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 tsp salt
- black pepper

## Instructions

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted water according to package directions.
2. Ladle 2 cups of pasta water into a large, heatproof cup or bowl.
3. Drain cooked pasta.
4. Slice 5 large shallots.
5. Slice 4 cloves garlic.
6. Melt 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
7. Add sliced shallots.
8. Add 1/2 tsp. salt.
9. Stir occasionally, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
10. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
11. Add 16-oz. can tomato paste and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper.
12. Cook, stirring often, until tomato paste starts to darken, 3 to 4 minutes.
13. Add 1/2 cup vodka.
14. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.
15. Add reserved pasta water to 1 cup of heavy cream.
16. Add cream mixture to pot.
17. Add 1/2 tsp. salt and several grinds of black pepper.
18. Stir until combined.
19. Add pasta and toss to coat.
20. Serve and garnish with black pepper and garlic bread.

## Equipment

- large pot
- heatproof cup or bowl
- chopping board
- knife
- spatula
- wooden spoon
- strainer
- plate
- forks
- garlic bread
- wine glass
- wine bottle

## Tips

- Use a ridged pasta like penne to better sop up the sauce.

## Source

- Original video: https://youtu.be/6_VaXPjiTOk?si=8fO7hw3ELGJPveEh
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/2771e9d2-6e47-4f51-bada-aa9ff9e2d06a
- Extracted: 2025-12-07

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt