Savory Romanesco Rigatoni Delight
This Savory Romanesco Rigatoni Delight is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that beautifully marries the unique taste of romanesco broccoli with the hearty allure of rigatoni. Inspired by the classic Pasta Con Broccoli, this modern twist features a creamy sauce enriched with white wine, tender vegetables, and a hint of rosemary, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of toasted walnuts and pecorino romano cheese adds nutty richness and a delightful finish, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that will impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
to taste (for cooking pasta and seasoning dish)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning dish)
Rigatoni pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 large (finely chopped)
Dry white wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
Chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 cup (low-sodium recommended)
Romanesco broccoli or Broccolini
1 head (cut into florets)
Lemon peel
1 teaspoon (grated)
Rosemary
2 sprigs (finely chopped)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for heat)
Pecorino Romano cheese
2/3 cup (grated, plus more for serving)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped, toasted)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the hot cooking water for later use.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is golden and translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes.
3
Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly. Next, add the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
4
Add the romanesco broccoli florets, grated lemon peel, finely chopped rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.
5
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the vegetable mixture, adding a ladleful of the reserved pasta cooking water to help create a silky sauce. Toss in the grated pecorino romano cheese and toasted walnuts. Mix everything together until well combined, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6
Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing each plate with more pecorino romano cheese to taste. Enjoy your delicious Savory Romanesco Rigatoni Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Romanesco Rigatoni Delight?
It is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that combines the unique taste of romanesco broccoli with hearty rigatoni in a creamy white wine sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe can be prepared and cooked in just under 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick meal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, provided you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, it is a fully vegetarian dish.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
What is Romanesco broccoli?
Romanesco is a unique vegetable known for its fractal patterns and nutty flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute it with Broccolini.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The dish uses two-thirds of a cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserving about one cup of hot pasta water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce when combined with the other ingredients.
What type of wine should be used?
The recipe requires half a cup of dry white wine for deglazing and adding acidity to the sauce.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While walnuts provide a nutty richness, you could likely substitute them with toasted pine nuts or almonds if desired.
How do I prepare the Romanesco broccoli?
The Romanesco should be cut into small florets before being added to the simmering sauce.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with two sprigs of finely chopped fresh rosemary.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What role does the lemon play?
One teaspoon of grated lemon peel is added to provide a bright, citrusy contrast to the savory sauce.
How long should the onions and garlic be sautéed?
They should be sautéed in butter for about 6 to 7 minutes until the onion is golden and translucent.
Can I use regular broccoli instead of Romanesco?
Yes, Broccolini or standard broccoli florets can be used as a substitute.
How long should the broccoli cook in the sauce?
It should cook, covered, for approximately 10 minutes until it is tender but still vibrant.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What kind of stock is best?
A low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock is recommended for the best flavor control.
How do I toast the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped and toasted in a pan until fragrant before being added to the pasta.
What is the final step before serving?
Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture, cheese, walnuts, and a bit of pasta water, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Can I add meat to this dish?
While this is a vegetarian-style dish, you could add cooked chicken or Italian sausage if you prefer more protein.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged under 'healthy eating' as it contains fresh vegetables, nuts, and a light sauce.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The recipe calls for two large garlic cloves to be finely chopped.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace the butter with olive oil and use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions and test it a minute before the time is up to ensure it still has a firm bite.
What size onion is needed?
The recipe uses one large onion, chopped.
Can I use dried rosemary?
While fresh is preferred for its aroma, you can use dried rosemary in smaller quantities if necessary.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large pot for boiling pasta and a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven for the sauce.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, its vibrant appearance and unique romanesco florets make it an impressive dish for guests.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator; when reheating, you may want to add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.