Creamy Basil Tri-Color Rotini Pasta with Apricots and Walnuts

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

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Course

Dinner

Diet

Vegetarian

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!