Name: Copycat Carbone’s Spicy Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491603H27M45S
Total time: PT-491603H27M45S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni (or pasta of choice); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1–1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½–1 cup reserved pasta water

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Copycat Carbone’s Spicy Pasta is rich, velvety, and packed with just the right amount of heat—an at-home version of the iconic Spicy Rigatoni that’s taken over the food scene. I love how it blends creamy tomato sauce with bold chili and garlic, coating every bite of pasta in a luxurious, silky sauce that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes basic pantry staples and turns them into something restaurant-worthy. It’s spicy, savory, and comforting with a creamy, tomato-forward sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta. It’s quick, impressive, and always hits the spot whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests. Copycat Carbone’s Spicy Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rigatoni (or pasta of choice)
Olive oil
Shallots, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato paste
Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Heavy cream
Unsalted butter
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and black pepper
Reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. I reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I sauté the chopped shallots for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
I stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it deepens in color and caramelizes slightly.
I reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth and turns a rich orange color.
I add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat. I use splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
I stir in the butter and grated Parmesan, mixing until everything is silky and the pasta is fully coated.
I season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 25–30 minutes to prepare. It’s great for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime I’m craving restaurant-style pasta at home.

Variations

I use penne or fusilli instead of rigatoni for a twist.
I add fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
I make it extra spicy by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne.
I top it with a dollop of ricotta or a few spoons of burrata for added creaminess.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to life without drying it out. Copycat Carbone’s Spicy Pasta

FAQs

How spicy is this pasta?

It’s moderately spicy, but I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit my heat preference.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. I recommend full-fat milk or a splash of plant-based cream if I want a lighter version.

What kind of tomato paste should I use?

I use a high-quality, double-concentrated tomato paste for the deepest flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! I use a plant-based cream and vegan butter and skip or swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

What pasta shape works best?

Rigatoni is classic because the sauce clings well to the ridges, but any short pasta like penne or ziti will work great.

Conclusion

Copycat Carbone’s Spicy Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory—bringing bold, restaurant-style flavor to my kitchen in just minutes. I love how easy it is to make and how satisfying every bite is. Whether I’m sharing it with friends or enjoying a solo pasta night, this dish always delivers.