Description
This Creamy Pesto Rigatoni Delight is an absolute dream of a meal, bringing together tender pasta, a vibrant, herbaceous pesto, and a luxurious creamy sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. It’s a recipe that feels special enough for guests but is wonderfully simple for a weeknight treat. Imagine a swirl of bright green pesto enrobed in a velvety cream sauce, clinging perfectly to hearty rigatoni – pure bliss in every bite.
Ingredients
16 ounces rigatoni pasta
2/3 cup fresh basil chopped
1/2 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
2 cloves garlic finely minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni pasta following its package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Combine the basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and nutmeg in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse a few times.
3. Gradually stream in the olive oil while pulsing, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates your pesto.
4. Return the drained rigatoni to the pot. Add the prepared pesto and toss gently until the pasta is fully coated.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve the pesto rigatoni warm.
Notes
Always cook your pasta in generously salted water; it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Aim for a texture that is tender but still offers a slight resistance when bitten.
For the most vibrant pesto, make it just before you plan to use it. If you make it ahead, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
The key to a well-emulsified sauce is gentle heat. Avoid boiling the cream or the combined sauce, as this can cause it to split. The reserved pasta water is your best friend for adjusting the final thickness.
When combining the pasta with the sauce, use a gentle hand. Over-mixing can break the pasta, and we want those lovely rigatoni shapes to remain intact.
- Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian-American