Rigatoni al Segreto (Rigatoni with Secret Sauce)

This Rigatoni al Segreto recipe was the most closely guarded secret at Gino's, one of New York City's most famous Italian restaurants. When it closed, the recipe got out. But I think the amount of butter was way too low. So here's my version.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 596 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed (or more to taste)
• 1 (28 ounce) can San Marzano (Italian) tomatoes, blended smooth
• ½ cup water (to rinse out can of tomatoes)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, salt. Cook until no longer white and starting to turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook about 1 minute. Add chili flakes and blended tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer; adjust heat to medium to medium-low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 45 to 60 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes (5 minutes from doneness).

Step 3

Add about 2/3 of the basil to the sauce. Stir in butter. When butter melts, add cheese in 3 increments.

Step 4

Drain pasta; transfer to sauce. Stir until rigatoni are evenly coated with sauce. Serve sprinkled with the remaining basil and a dusting of grated cheese.