Spicy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe That’s All Over Your Feed

If you've been scrolling through food TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen a creamy, fiery bowl of spicy rigatoni pasta that’s taken over the internet. With its rich tomato base, a hint of vodka, and a surprising touch of mayo for extra creaminess, this viral dish delivers restaurant-level flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Here’s exactly how to make the trending spicy rigatoni pasta recipe and a few tips to level it up.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta

• 2 cups onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 oz tomato paste

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise recommended)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 oz vodka

• 6 oz Parmesan cheese, grated

• Olive oil, for sautéing

• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the base
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir continuously until it darkens slightly in color and mixes smoothly with the onions and garlic. Add crushed red pepper flakes to your heat preference.

4. Deglaze with vodka
Pour in the vodka and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer until the alcohol cooks off, about 2–3 minutes.

5. Make it creamy
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup reserved pasta water with the heavy cream. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir until the sauce becomes velvety. Add the tablespoon of mayonnaise and stir until fully incorporated this adds an extra layer of richness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

6. Finish the dish
Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.

7. Garnish and serve
Top with freshly minced basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy every fiery, creamy bite.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality tomato paste for a rich, concentrated flavor.

• Don’t skip the vodka it enhances the aroma and helps emulsify the sauce.

• Add protein like grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to turn this into a more filling main.

• Vegan? Swap in coconut cream for heavy cream and vegan mayo/cheese alternatives.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish balances acid, heat, and creaminess beautifully. The tomato paste adds umami depth, the vodka cuts through richness, and the touch of mayonnaise creates a silky texture that makes the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly. And with Parmesan and basil to finish, it’s layered with flavor and just indulgent enough.

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