The Perfect Rigatoni and Grilled Asparagus Creamy Pasta Recipe

Creamy rigatoni with grilled asparagus offers a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Crisp green spears dance alongside tender pasta tubes in this irresistible dish.

Smoky charred edges bring depth to each delectable bite.

Mediterranean herbs weave through the silky sauce, creating complex layers of flavor.

Fresh parmesan adds a salty punch that makes you crave more.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary on your plate.

Grab a fork and savor every delicious moment of this culinary adventure.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy pasta's richness and cut through the heavy sauce.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the creamy pasta's intensity.
• Enhance with Toasted Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty sourdough bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil, providing a crunchy contrast to the smooth pasta texture.
• Complement with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon and a hint of mint to refresh the palate between creamy bites and cleanse the taste buds.

How To Keep Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus Fresh

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Carefully place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing asparagus for best texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and restore creamy consistency.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's silky texture.

Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or fusilli. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and has a similar size.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use less cheese or opt for a lighter cheese like pecorino romano.

• How do I perfectly grill asparagus?

Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred and tender.

• Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta work great and can be added directly to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition.

Why Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus Works

• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform ordinary pasta into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
• Pack in Nutritious Vegetables: Grilled asparagus adds a healthy twist to classic pasta, introducing fresh flavors and essential nutrients without complicated preparation.
• Quick Comfort Food Solution: Create a satisfying, creamy dish that comes together faster than takeout, perfect for busy families or solo cooks craving a delicious meal in minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like grilled chicken, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and what's available in your kitchen.

Ingredients For Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus

• Rigatoni: A classic pasta shape with ridges that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
• Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable grilled to add a smoky, tender element to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious base for the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall creaminess.

• Garlic, Salt, Cracked Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that build depth and complexity in the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté garlic and provides a smooth cooking foundation.

Steps To Make Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 2: Prepare Asparagus

Trim the woody ends of asparagus and lightly brush with olive oil. Grill on a hot grill pan or outdoor grill until char marks appear and the vegetable becomes tender. Slice grilled asparagus into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, releasing its delightful aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Develop Luxurious Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked rigatoni to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure each pasta tube is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Incorporate Grilled Asparagus

Carefully fold the grilled asparagus pieces into the creamy pasta, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.

Step 7: Season and Finish

Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt over the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Transfer the creamy rigatoni and asparagus to serving plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the luxurious combination of flavors.

Helpful Notes For Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus

• Choose fresh, thick asparagus for the best grilling results, ensuring a crisp texture and smoky flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silkier, more cohesive sauce if needed.
• Control the heat when simmering the cream to prevent scorching and maintain a smooth consistency.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calories.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or thyme to enhance the dish's aromatic profile and add depth to the flavor.

Delicious Twists On Creamy Pasta With Rigatoni And Grilled Asparagus

• Veggie Power Pasta: Replace asparagus with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a colorful and nutrient-packed version.
• Protein Punch Rigatoni: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Spicy Herb Fusion: Incorporate red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and chopped parsley to elevate the flavor profile with a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired pasta experience.

Rigatoni and Grilled Asparagus Creamy Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy rigatoni and grilled asparagus dance together in a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet elegant pasta dish, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rigatoni pasta

Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and grilled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, ensuring a firm texture.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F.
3. Mince fresh garlic and sauté until golden and aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently without boiling.
5. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Transfer drained rigatoni directly into the creamy sauce, gently rotating to ensure complete coating.
7. Prepare grilled asparagus by charring on a preheated grill or grill pan for 3-4 minutes until lightly marked.
8. Incorporate grilled asparagus into the pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
9. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
10. Plate immediately while hot, serving the creamy rigatoni with a vibrant asparagus garnish.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick, helping create a silky smooth texture.
• Asparagus Pro Tip: Grill asparagus at high heat for beautiful char marks and to maintain a crisp-tender texture that adds delightful smoky notes to the dish.
• Cheese Upgrade: Grate fresh Parmesan directly into the sauce for more intense, authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free rigatoni to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg