Creamy Rigatoni with Asparagus and Fresh Basil
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Creamy Rigatoni with Asparagus and Fresh Basil. This beautiful meatless dish brings together al dente rigatoni pasta and crisp-tender asparagus, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and a touch of sour cream for creaminess. The addition of fresh basil and green onion adds vibrant flavors and a pop of color, making it a perfect weeknight meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking for a quick and nutritious option, this recipe delivers comfort and taste in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
2 cups (large pasta)
Asparagus spears
1/2 lb (fresh, thin, cut into 1-inch pieces)
Marinara sauce
1/2 cup (prepared)
Sour cream
2 tablespoons (none)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Green onion
1 (chopped)
Fresh basil
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and chopping the green onion.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook for 6 minutes.
3
After 6 minutes, add the asparagus to the pot and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the pasta is barely tender and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
4
Once cooked, drain the pasta and asparagus mixture, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain thoroughly.
5
Return the pasta and asparagus to the pot. Stir in the marinara sauce, sour cream, red wine vinegar, chopped green onion, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
6
Heat the mixture on medium for about 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are warmed through.
7
Serve hot, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Rigatoni with Asparagus and Fresh Basil?
It is a meatless pasta dish featuring rigatoni, crisp-tender asparagus, and a creamy tomato sauce made with marinara and sour cream.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This quick meal can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
Is this rigatoni recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for rigatoni pasta, which holds the creamy sauce well.
How should I prepare the asparagus?
The asparagus spears should be fresh, thin, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
How much rigatoni do I need?
You will need 2 cups of rigatoni pasta.
When do I add the asparagus to the boiling water?
Add the asparagus to the pot after the rigatoni has already cooked for 6 minutes.
How long do the pasta and asparagus cook together?
They should cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes until the pasta is barely tender.
Should I rinse the pasta after draining?
Yes, rinse the pasta and asparagus under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.
What ingredients make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from combining marinara sauce with 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
What kind of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
What fresh herbs are included in the dish?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil.
Do I need to add onions?
Yes, the recipe uses one chopped green onion for added flavor.
What is the final seasoning for this pasta?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What kind of cheese should I serve it with?
Serve the pasta hot with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is classified as a one-dish meal as the pasta and vegetables are cooked together and then tossed in the same pot.
Can I use prepared marinara sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of prepared marinara sauce for convenience.
What heat setting should I use to warm the final mixture?
Heat the final mixture on medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
How much asparagus is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of asparagus spears.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe containing fresh vegetables and herbs.
Can I use different pasta if I don't have rigatoni?
While rigatoni is suggested, other tube-shaped pasta like penne or ziti would work as substitutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the texture of the asparagus in this dish?
The asparagus should be cooked until it is crisp-tender.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
If needed, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar acidity.
Should the sauce be heated before adding it to the pasta?
No, you stir the sauce ingredients into the cooked pasta and then heat everything together for 2-3 minutes.
What makes this dish suitable for weeknights?
Its short prep and cook time of under 30 minutes makes it ideal for a busy weeknight.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute for sour cream to add creaminess.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
By boiling it for 6 minutes alone and then 3-4 minutes with the asparagus, it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
Should I use fresh or dried basil?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and vibrant color.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and chop the green onion.