Rigatoni with Lemon Parmesan Cream
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: < 30 Minutes
Servings: 3
Description
This delightful Rigatoni with Lemon Parmesan Cream recipe is a quick and satisfying dish that combines the creamy richness of parmesan with the bright zest of lemon. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light yet indulgent. The cream sauce is infused with a hint of garlic, complemented by the freshness of tomatoes and the aromatic addition of parsley. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni pasta | 1 lb |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Lemon, rind of | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes, diced | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Flat leaf parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 949.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 43.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 243.7 mg |
| Sodium | 195 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 114.9 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 27.1 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and set it aside for later use.
-
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown, as this will prevent it from becoming bitter.
-
Make the Cream Sauce: Add the lemon rind and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Combine Ingredients: Once the sauce has thickened, add the diced tomatoes, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and cooked pasta to the pan. Stir everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
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Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the entire dish and mix everything together.
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Serving: Serve immediately for a perfect main course.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
