Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust based on preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity from the tomato paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh basil (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or beef, sliced or shredded (optional for added protein)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside. - Sauté the Garlic
In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. - Add the Tomato Paste and Chili Oil
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. Then, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili oil, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be. Stir well to combine. - Incorporate the Cream and Seasonings
Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream while stirring continuously. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Add salt, sugar, paprika, and basil, stirring everything together. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. - Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. If it is too thin, let it simmer for an additional minute until it reaches the desired consistency. - Add the Pasta and Protein
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir until every piece is well coated. If using chicken or beef, add it in at this stage and mix everything together. Let it cook for another minute, ensuring the protein is warmed through. - Finish with Parmesan and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir to combine, then plate immediately. Garnish with extra basil or chili oil if desired.
Notes
- Controlling Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, start with one tablespoon of chili oil and gradually add more if needed. You can also reduce the heat by adding more cream.
- Salt Balance: Some store-bought chili oils contain salt, so adjust the seasoning at the end to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Thicker or Thinner Sauce: If your sauce is too runny, let it cook a little longer until it thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Avoiding Overcooked Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce once mixed in. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Alternative Cooking Method for Protein: If adding chicken or beef, you can cook it separately in a pan with a little oil, salt, and pepper before adding it to the pasta. This ensures it remains tender and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes