Servings: 4
Calories: 500kcal
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 300 grams dried rigatoni pasta about 4 cups
- 2 garlic cloves minced or crushed
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes or to taste
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste (remember the cheese is salty)
- 120 grams sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil about 1 cup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 600 ml water roughly 2.25 cups
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and get your herbs ready. It’s like prepping for a show; everything needs to be in its place!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, combine the rigatoni, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, sugar, sea salt, and water. Bring it all to a boil over medium-high heat. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs all that fantastic flavor. This should take around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; no one likes clumpy pasta.
Step 3: Introduce the Cream
- Once the pasta is al dente (that’s just a fancy term for ‘to the tooth’), take the pot off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and mix well. The sauce will look rich and inviting—this is where the magic happens.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Slowly mix in the grated cheese. The warmth from the pasta will help it melt beautifully into the sauce. Let it sit for a minute to thicken.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Finally, stir in the chopped basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste at the end. It’s a humble yet crucial step that elevates each serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Dish it out into bowls, maybe sprinkle with some extra cheese or fresh herbs, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Stir Frequently: Keep stirring the pasta as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you want a lighter dish, you can reduce the quantity of heavy cream or substitute part of it with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gorgonzola or feta for a different flavor experience.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers during the cooking process for added nutrients and color.
- Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining, save a cup of pasta water. If your sauce is too thick, a splash of this starchy water can help thin it out while adding flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!