Creamy Red Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Rigatoni
If you’re in the mood for something rich, comforting, and bursting with bold flavours, Creamy Red Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Rigatoni is about to become your new favourite.
This dish is all about that velvety, creamy sauce with a tangy kick from the sun-dried tomatoes, balanced perfectly with the savoury depth of red pesto.
The rigatoni? It’s the ideal pasta for soaking up all that goodness—those little ridges are like flavour magnets.
If pasta had a personality, Rigatoni would be the bold, confident one in the group.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests.
Plus, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating it straight from the pan (no judgement here).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
● Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
● Bold flavours: The tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy pesto are a match made in pasta heaven.
● Comfort food level: Off the charts.
● Versatile: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies if you want to mix things up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 400g rigatoni pasta (the star of the show)
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is life)
● 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (the chewy, tangy gems)
● 1/2 cup red pesto (store-bought or homemade, you do you)
● 1 cup heavy cream (for that velvety texture)
● 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
● Salt and pepper, to taste
● Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish and that fresh, herby vibe)
How to Make It
1. Cook the Rigatoni
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. (Pro tip: That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.)
2. Sauté the Flavour Base
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute, letting them soak up the garlicky goodness.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the red pesto and heavy cream, mixing well until it becomes a rich, luscious sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Bring It All Together
Add the cooked rigatoni to the pan, tossing everything together so the pasta is coated in that creamy, pesto-packed sauce.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese if using, and give it one final stir.
5. Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta, garnish generously with fresh basil, and maybe an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Red Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Rigatoni is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavours.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself to a bowl of pasta perfection.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort dish!
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