Delicious Rigatoni with Broccoli, Roasted Peppers, and Bacon in Chipotle Cream Sauce Recipe

created by Camine Pappas @ifeellikecooking.com

Prep early. Most of this dish can be prepped hours ealier, or the night before,

Pasta lovers looking for a dish that balances smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors will find this rigatoni recipe a perfect match. Combining crisp bacon, tender broccoli, sweet roasted red peppers, and a rich chipotle cream sauce, this meal delivers bold taste with comforting textures. It’s a great way to elevate a simple pasta dinner into something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this flavorful rigatoni, gather the following ingredients:

• 5 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp

• 2 ½ cups broccoli florets, blanched until tender but still green

• 1 large red pepper, roasted, cooled, and cut into strips (bottled roasted peppers work too)

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta, uncooked

• ½ cup chipotle mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons Olivezia Tuscan Herb Olive Oil

• 1 tablespoon salted butter

• ½ tablespoon chili flakes

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

• ½ teaspoon fennel salt (or dried fennel plus extra salt as needed)

• ½ teaspoon Olivezia Chipotle Infused Olive Oil

• 1 tablespoon bacon grease

• Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• Extra olive oil for finishing

  
  

These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is creamy with a smoky kick, balanced by the freshness of broccoli and sweetness from roasted peppers.

Preparing the Vegetables and Bacon

Start by prepping the key components:

• Blanch the broccoli: Boil water and cook the broccoli florets just until they soften but remain bright green. This keeps them tender yet crisp. Drain and set aside.

• Roast the red pepper: If not using bottled, roast the pepper until the skin chars, then cool and peel it. Slice into strips.

• Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon strips until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. Save the bacon grease for the sauce.

  
  

These steps can be done ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one day, making the final assembly quick.

Cooking the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes depending on the brand. Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup of the cooking water. Return the hot pasta to the pot with the reserved water to keep it moist.

Making the Chipotle Cream Sauce

In a glass bowl, whisk together:

• Heavy cream

• Chipotle mayonnaise

• Bacon grease

• Chipotle infused olive oil

• Tuscan Herb olive oil

• White pepper

  
  

This mixture forms the base of the sauce, combining smoky, spicy, and creamy elements.

Bringing It All Together

Add the crumbled bacon, roasted peppers, and blanched broccoli to the pasta in the pot. Stir in the butter until melted. Sprinkle in chili flakes, fennel salt, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle a little more olive oil for flavor and shine.

Pour the chipotle cream sauce over the pasta mixture. Turn the heat to low and stir gently until the sauce is hot and steaming. Fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more cream to loosen it. Taste again and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rigatoni hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want an extra layer of richness. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavors.

Pair this dish with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It works well as a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests.

Tips for Success

• Prep in advance: Blanch broccoli, roast peppers, and cook bacon ahead to save time on the day you serve.

• Adjust spice level: Control the heat by varying the amount of chili flakes and chipotle mayo.

• Use quality oils: The Olivezia Tuscan Herb and Olivezia Chipotle infused olive oils add depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Keep pasta moist: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and prevent dryness.

  
  

This recipe balances smoky bacon, spicy chipotle, and fresh vegetables in a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni’s ridges.