Creamy Lemon Parmesan Rigatoni Delight
Indulge in the creamy, zesty flavors of this luscious Lemon Parmesan Rigatoni, a perfect meal for any time of the day. This dish combines the rich textures of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with the bright notes of fresh lemon and aromatic garlic, creating a comforting yet sophisticated pasta that is sure to impress. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful gathering with friends.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
lemon rind
1 tablespoon (fine grated)
heavy cream
1 cup (for the sauce)
ripe tomatoes
1 (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
lemon juice
1 (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Ensure that the garlic does not brown to preserve its delicate flavor.
3
Stir in the fine grated lemon zest and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
4
Add the chopped ripe tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Mix well to combine and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.
5
Incorporate the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, stirring until each piece of pasta is evenly coated. Add the chopped flat-leaf parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the pasta and toss everything together to combine beautifully.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
18.3g
Fat
50g
Carbs
10.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Parmesan Rigatoni Delight?
It is a luscious pasta dish that combines heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon, and garlic for a comforting and sophisticated meal.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The dish is designed to be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of rigatoni pasta.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 400 calories per serving of this pasta dish.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 18.3g of fat and 10.7g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the rigatoni be cooked?
Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cool water.
What oil is recommended for sautéing the garlic?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What is the secret to sautéing the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds over low heat, ensuring it does not brown to preserve its delicate flavor.
How much heavy cream is used for the sauce?
The sauce requires one cup of heavy cream.
How much lemon rind should I use?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of fine grated lemon rind.
How long should the cream sauce simmer?
Allow the cream and lemon zest mixture to simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens slightly.
When do I add the tomatoes?
Add the chopped ripe tomatoes to the saucepan after the cream has thickened and before adding the pasta.
What type of cheese is used?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used to provide a rich, salty flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
Which fresh herb is used in this dish?
1/4 cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley is used for seasoning and garnish.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients including pasta, oil, garlic, lemon, cream, tomatoes, cheese, herbs, and seasoning.
Is this recipe considered Italian?
Yes, it is tagged as an Italian-style pasta dish.
What should I do after draining the pasta?
Rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
When is the lemon juice added?
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the pasta as one of the final steps and toss everything together.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as creamy and thick enough to evenly coat each piece of rigatoni.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses one ripe tomato, chopped.
Should the sauce be boiled?
No, it should be brought to a gentle simmer rather than a full boil.
What should the final garnish be?
Garnish with additional flat-leaf parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Can I serve this dish cold?
The recipe recommends serving the dish immediately while hot.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the flavors are creamy and zesty rather than spicy.
What makes the dish 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and fine grated lemon rind provides the bright, zesty notes.