Calabrian Chili Vodka Rigatoni with Crispy Pepperoni

Ingredients

• 12 ozrigatoniAmount12 ozIngredientrigatoni
• 1/3 cupchopped pepperoniAmount1/3 cupIngredientchopped pepperoni or mini pepperoni or mini pepperoni
• 2 tbspolive oilAmount2 tbspIngredientolive oil
• 4 clovegarlicAmount4 cloveIngredientgarlicPreparationminced minced
• 2 tbspCalabrian chili pasteAmount2 tbspIngredientCalabrian chili paste
• 1/4 cuptomato pasteAmount1/4 cupIngredienttomato paste
• 2 tbspvodkaAmount2 tbspIngredientvodka
• 1 cupheavy creamAmount1 cupIngredientheavy cream
• 3/4 tspkosher saltAmount3/4 tspIngredientkosher salt
• 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheeseAmount1/2 cupIngredientgrated Parmesan cheesePreparationplus more for topping plus more for topping
• 1/2 cupreserved pasta waterAmount1/2 cupIngredientreserved pasta water

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot over high heat, cook rigatoni in salted water until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta waterAmount1/2 cupIngredientreserved pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   In the same pot over medium heat, cook pepperoniAmount1/3 cupIngredientchopped pepperoni or mini pepperoni in olive oil until edges are curled and crisp, about 3–5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pepperoni to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the pepperoni oil in the pot.

3. 3

   In the pot over medium heat, sauté garlic in the pepperoni oil until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Calabrian chili pasteAmount2 tbspIngredientCalabrian chili paste and tomato paste. Cook until thickened and deep red, about 2–3 minutes.

4. 4

   Pour in vodkaAmount2 tbspIngredientvodka and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Let bubble for 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Stir in heavy creamAmount1 cupIngredientheavy cream and salt. Simmer until smooth and warmed through, about 1 minute. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

6. 6

   Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta waterAmount1/2 cupIngredient...: Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta waterAmount1/2 cupIngredientreserved pasta water. Toss until glossy and saucy, about 1–2 minutes, adding more pasta water as needed.

7. 7

   Serve hot, topped with crispy pepperoni and extra Parmesan cheeseAmount1/2 cupIngredientgrated Parmesan cheesePreparationplus more for topping.