Elevate your weeknight cooking with a pasta dish that proves simplicity and extraordinary flavor can coexist beautifully. This Spicy Rigatoni Vodka combines the ease of a quick meal with the depth of a carefully crafted sauce. Thick-cut bacon adds a smoky richness, while sauteed onion and garlic build layers of complex flavor in minutes. The magic lies in the shortcut: our Spicy Vodka Sauce—creamy, spicy and impossibly delicious, it comes together faster than you can set the table. Each rigatoni captures the luxurious sauce, punctuated by crispy bacon bits that deliver an intense flavor punch.
Step 1
Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2
While the rigatoni is cooking, cook the bacon in a 6-quart saucepot over medium heat until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels. Reserve the drippings.
Step 3
Heat the drippings in the pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes or until tender, adding the garlic for the last 1 minute of cooking time.
Step 4
Stir in the sauce, cooked rigatoni and half the bacon and cook until hot, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with the remaining bacon. Top with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving, if desired.
