This creamy pesto rigatoni is a dream! It’s packed with flavorful basil pesto and has a rich, smooth sauce that hugs each pasta piece. The spicy garlic breadcrumbs add a nice crunch!
Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl! I love the combination of creamy and crunchy textures. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni: This pasta shape holds sauces well, making it a great choice. If you don’t have rigatoni, penne or fusilli can work too. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may differ!
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that vibrant flavor. If you’re out, try using spinach or arugula for a different twist. Dried basil won’t give the same fresh taste, but you can use it in a pinch—just use less.
Pine Nuts: These add a lovely richness to the pesto. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, walnuts or sunflower seeds are great substitutes. They may slightly change the flavor, but still delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential for creaminess and depth. In a pinch, Pecorino Romano can work too, offering a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if you want to skip cheese altogether.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a fantastic crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can substitute, but they won’t be as crispy. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Sauce?
Making the creamy sauce is vital for the flavor and texture of your dish. You’ll want to blend the pesto with heavy cream carefully to achieve a rich, smooth finish. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to combine the pesto and cream in a large skillet.
- Stir continuously to keep it from sticking, letting it heat through without boiling.
- If the sauce thickens too much, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water. This helps achieve the desired creaminess!
Pay attention and taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to match your preference for the best outcome.
Creamy Pesto Rigatoni With Spicy Garlic Breadcrumbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
For The Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
For The Spicy Garlic Breadcrumbs:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves or microgreens (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pesto rigatoni takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and delicious meal. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking and making the sauces and about 5 minutes to prepare the spicy garlic breadcrumbs. With all that deliciousness in just half an hour, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your rigatoni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a bit of bite). Remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander!
2. Make the Pesto:
While your pasta cooks, it’s time to make some yummy pesto! In a food processor, toss in the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and pulse it all together until it’s nice and coarsely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until everything comes together in a smooth, creamy mixture. Taste it and adjust seasoning if you need to—it should taste fresh and alive!
3. Prepare the Spicy Garlic Breadcrumbs:
In a small skillet over medium heat, add the two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burned. Then mix in the panko breadcrumbs. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Once they are ready, take them off the heat and set aside!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, combine your homemade pesto with the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and heated through. If it’s too thick, just add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the creaminess you love!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the drained rigatoni to your creamy pesto sauce. Gently toss everything together until each piece of pasta is well-coated with that delicious sauce.
6. Serve:
On a lovely plate, serve up your creamy pesto rigatoni. Be generous as you sprinkle on those spicy garlic breadcrumbs and add a bit more Parmesan cheese if you like. Don’t forget the fresh basil leaves or microgreens on top for an extra pop of color!
7. Enjoy Immediately:
This dish is best enjoyed right away while everything is warm and cozy. Take a moment to savor your delicious creation, balancing those creamy, herby, and crunchy flavors!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I Prepare the Pesto in Advance?
Yes! You can make the pesto up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to help prevent browning. Stir well before using!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb topping or even add some red pepper flakes directly into the creamy sauce for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste!
