Fine dining on a budget (pt 41)

Ingredients

• 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta (ridged pasta holds sauce well)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (grated for quick melt)
• 0.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated flavor)
• 0.25 cup Vodka (optional but classic; use cheap vodka)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, plus extra for serving)
• to taste Salt (for pasta water and sauce seasoning)
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta

   Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 9‑11 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

2. Prep Aromatics

   While the pasta cooks, finely dice the onion and grate the garlic using a microplane.

   Time: PT5M

3. Sauté Onion, Garlic & Chili

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3‑4 minutes. Then add the grated garlic and chili flakes; cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly.

   Time: PT5M

4. Incorporate Tomato Paste

   Stir in the tomato paste, coating the aromatics. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

   Time: PT2M

5. Add Vodka

   Pour in the vodka, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the alcohol evaporates and the flavor melds.

   Time: PT2M

6. Finish Sauce with Cream

   Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss in the butter cubes and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix until the butter melts and the cheese coats the pasta. If the sauce looks dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.

   Time: PT3M

8. Plate and Serve

   Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

15g

Carbohydrates

70g

Fat

25g

Fiber

3g