Harissa chili based vodka sauce with rigatoni noodles, bell peppers, bacon, parmesan and chives

Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce later.

2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
• In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pan with Vodka

• Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the vodka and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the vodka simmer and reduce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

4. Make the Harissa Vodka Sauce

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
• Add the heavy cream, harissa paste, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and simmer for another 3-4 minutes. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and have a nice balance of heat from the harissa and the smoothness from the cream.
• Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. If you want more heat, feel free to add a little more harissa paste.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Toss in the crispy bacon you set aside earlier, and mix it all together.

6. Serve

• Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped chives for a fresh, oniony finish.

7. Enjoy!

• Dive into this indulgent, spicy, and creamy pasta that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. You’ll love the richness of the vodka sauce, the smoky heat from the harissa, and the crispy bacon that adds texture and crunch.

Tips for Making the Best Harissa Chili Vodka Sauce with Rigatoni:

1. Adjust the Spice: Harissa paste can range from mildly spicy to quite hot, depending on the brand. If you’re new to harissa, start with 1 tablespoon and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicier.
2. Use a Quality Vodka: Since vodka is a key ingredient, it’s worth using a good-quality vodka that you enjoy. A smoother vodka will blend better into the sauce.
3. Bacon Alternatives: If you prefer a different protein or want to make it vegetarian, try swapping the bacon for sausage, chicken, or even mushrooms for an earthy, umami flavor.
4. Add More Veggies: This dish is a great base for extra veggies. Try adding spinach, kale, or zucchini to the sauce for additional nutrients and flavor.
5. Make it Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce, and combine.

Why This Harissa Chili Vodka Sauce is a Winner

This Harissa Chili Vodka Sauce with Rigatoni offers a bold flavor profile that blends the rich creaminess of a traditional vodka sauce with the smoky heat of harissa. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while the bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness to balance the heat. The combination of textures and flavors makes this pasta dish something truly special.

Plus, the sauce is easy to make, requiring only one pan (for the sauce and bacon), making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home, but it’s also impressive enough to serve for a dinner party or special occasion. With the harissa chili, vodka, cream, and a touch of parmesan, each bite is a little burst of flavor, with just the right amount of spice.

Final Thoughts

This Harissa Chili Vodka Sauce with Rigatoni is a flavorful, indulgent dish that brings together the best of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in one hearty meal. With the perfect balance of heat from the harissa, richness from the cream, and a little extra crunch from the bacon and bell peppers, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your pasta cravings with a twist.

So, next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, try this bold and flavorful pasta — it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite!