Quick Creamy Radiatore Pasta

$- 8 oz radiatore pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The radiatore pasta holds sauce well, making each bite tasty. Heavy cream adds a smooth texture. Parmesan cheese brings a salty flavor. Cherry tomatoes add freshness and color. Garlic gives an aromatic touch. Olive oil helps cook the garlic. Dried basil adds an herbal note. - Fresh basil leaves - Additional grated Parmesan cheese - Cracked black pepper Garnishing with fresh basil makes the dish look vibrant. Extra Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor. Cracked black pepper adds a little heat and texture. - Radiatore pasta can be swapped with penne or fusilli. - Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Cherry tomatoes may be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes. - Garlic powder can stand in for minced garlic if needed. These substitutions can help if you have different ingredients at home. Each swap keeps the dish delicious and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This will help flavor the pasta. Heat the pot on high until the water boils. Once boiling, add 8 oz of radiatore pasta. Cook it for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside for later. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well and let it gently simmer. Now, slowly add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste your sauce. Add salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. Now for the fun part! Take the drained radiatore pasta and add it to your skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece gets coated evenly. This step makes the dish come together beautifully. Serve the pasta right away in warm bowls. For a nice touch, add fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your meal! To cook pasta well, start with plenty of water. Use a big pot. Salt the water well; it should taste like the sea. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the radiatore pasta and stir it. Cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta right away, but don’t rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce stick. For a rich, creamy sauce, heat the olive oil first. Add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and let them soften. Pour in the heavy cream next. Keep stirring as you add the grated Parmesan cheese. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. The sauce should be thick and coat the pasta well. Serve the pasta in warm bowls for a cozy feel. Top with fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. You can also drizzle some extra olive oil on top for added flavor. For a bit of flair, sprinkle more grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper. This not only tastes great but also makes the dish look beautiful. Enjoy your meal right away to savor the creamy goodness! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly, so opt for them whenever possible. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but be aware it may not be as rich. Leftover Pasta Tips: If you have leftover pasta, store it separately from the sauce to prevent it from becoming soggy. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth for best results. {{image_4}} You can make this pasta dish even better by adding proteins. Chicken works great. You can use cooked, diced chicken breast. Shrimp is also a fantastic choice. Just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink before adding them to the sauce. For a hearty meal, try adding cooked sausage. Just slice it and mix it in for extra flavor. If you want a vegetarian twist, you can leave out meat. Try adding more veggies instead! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just sauté them with the garlic. You can also add beans for protein. Chickpeas or white beans will add texture and nutrition. Don't forget to adjust the seasonings to match your new ingredients. You can boost the flavor with spices and herbs. Red pepper flakes add heat. A pinch can make the dish lively. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme will brighten the sauce. You can also try adding lemon juice for a zesty kick. Just squeeze a bit in before serving. Experiment with flavors to find what you love! To keep your Quick Creamy Radiatore Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently to warm it through. This keeps the pasta from getting dry. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze this pasta if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to two months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You need 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. It's quick and perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can swap radiatore for other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both will still give you a nice, creamy texture. This blog post covered all the key steps for making Quick Creamy Radiatore Pasta. We looked at the main ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips for a delicious dish. You can add proteins or spice things up with flavors. Remember, you can store and reheat leftovers easily. Enjoy your cooking journey! Each bite will remind you of the joy of making tasty meals.$

A delicious and easy pasta dish with a creamy sauce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 oz radiatore pasta
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, carefully add the radiatore pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which should take about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
To the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally.
Once the tomatoes are tender, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to warm through.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried basil to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce transforms into a rich, creamy texture.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring the flavors balance beautifully.
Add the drained radiatore pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the delicious creamy mixture.
Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For added visual appeal, consider serving the pasta in deep bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top, and garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper before enjoying.

Keyword creamy, pasta, quick