Tri Color Rotini Spirali Pasta in Creamy Basil Sauce Recipe
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and flavorful Tri Color Rotini Spirali Pasta, tossed in a creamy basil sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines the beauty of colorful pasta with a rich, aromatic basil sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The addition of apricots and toasted walnuts offers a refreshing sweet crunch, making it an exceptional vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Del Monte Tricolour Spirali Pasta | 300 grams |
| Apricots (cut into small pieces) | 2 tablespoons |
| Walnuts (toasted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 100 grams |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 cloves |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Course
Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, then add the Del Monte Tricolour Spirali Pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once done, strain the water and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Creamy Basil Sauce:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves and garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste, adding a little milk if needed to help with blending.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the basil-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the remaining milk and whisk the mixture well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta into the saucepan with the creamy basil sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well-coated.
- Stir in the chopped apricots for a sweet touch and toss again to evenly distribute them through the pasta.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with toasted walnuts for an added crunch and extra flavor.
- Serve the Tri Color Rotini Spirali Pasta in Creamy Basil Sauce alongside some freshly baked Cheese Garlic Bread and a refreshing glass of Watermelon Carrot Radish Juice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Tri Color Rotini Spirali Pasta:
- To add more depth to the creamy basil sauce, you can substitute a small portion of the milk with cream for an extra-rich texture.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to make the dish more hearty.
- The apricots can be swapped for other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins if desired, allowing you to tailor the sweetness to your preference.
This pasta dish is a delightful combination of colors, flavors, and textures that will brighten up your dinner table. Perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy this creamy, fragrant, and mouthwatering Italian-inspired recipe!
