Rigatoni with Basil Pesto

Health score
8%
Rigatoni with Basil Pesto
30 min.
4
445kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delightful Rigatoni with Basil Pesto recipe! Perfectly suited for any occasion, whether as a side dish, antipasti, or a light starter, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that bursts with freshness and taste.

The star of this recipe is the homemade basil pesto, made from fresh basil leaves, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, all blended together with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of pine nuts for that perfect nutty finish. This simple yet flavorful sauce elevates the rigatoni pasta to new heights, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Not only is this Rigatoni with Basil Pesto a feast for the taste buds, but it also offers a balanced caloric profile, making it a guilt-free indulgence at just 445 calories per serving. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates ensures that you’ll feel energized and satisfied after enjoying this meal.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the essence of Italian cuisine right in your own kitchen. This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about creating a memorable dining experience that brings people together. Buon appetito!

Ingredients

  • 0.5 teaspoon soup noodles (for cooking pasta)
  • oz rigatoni uncooked
  • cup basil fresh
  • cloves garlic 
  • 0.3 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.3 cup vegetable oil 
  • tablespoons walnut pieces 

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • paper towels
  • sieve
  • blender
  • kitchen towels
  • spatula
  • measuring cup
  • dutch oven
  • colander

Directions

  1. Fill a 4-quart Dutch oven about half full of water.
  2. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt if desired. Cover with lid; heat over high heat until the water is boiling rapidly.
  3. Add the pasta.
  4. Heat to boiling again. Boil uncovered 14 to 16 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but not mushy. While the water is heating and the pasta is cooking, continue with the recipe to make the pesto.
  5. To measure basil, firmly pack basil leaves into a measuring cup. Use a measuring cup for measuring dry ingredients. Rinse the basil leaves with cool water, and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel or clean, dry kitchen towel. Peel the garlic cloves.
  6. In a food processor or blender, place the basil leaves, garlic, cheese, oil and pine nuts. Cover and process, stopping occasionally to scrape sides with rubber spatula, until smooth.
  7. Place a strainer or colander in the sink.
  8. Pour the pasta in the strainer to drain, and place in a large serving bowl or back in the Dutch oven. Immediately pour the pesto over the hot pasta, and toss until pasta is well coated.
  9. Serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories445kcal
Protein9.84%
Fat49.71%
Carbs40.45%

Properties

Glycemic Index
51
Glycemic Load
17.46
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
12.609130378651%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.14mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
0.03mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:444.63kcal
22.23%
Fat:24.67g
37.96%
Saturated Fat:4.53g
28.32%
Carbohydrates:45.17g
15.06%
Net Carbohydrates:42.87g
15.59%
Sugar:1.7g
1.89%
Cholesterol:7.25mg
2.42%
Sodium:149.87mg
6.52%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:10.98g
21.97%
Selenium:39.62µg
56.59%
Vitamin K:58.67µg
55.87%
Manganese:0.8mg
39.87%
Phosphorus:184.11mg
18.41%
Copper:0.28mg
13.8%
Magnesium:45.41mg
11.35%
Vitamin E:1.68mg
11.17%
Calcium:103.94mg
10.39%
Zinc:1.39mg
9.26%
Fiber:2.3g
9.19%
Vitamin A:389.72IU
7.79%
Vitamin B6:0.14mg
7.14%
Iron:1.15mg
6.37%
Vitamin B3:1.1mg
5.51%
Potassium:188.91mg
5.4%
Vitamin B1:0.08mg
5.06%
Folate:19.84µg
4.96%
Vitamin B2:0.08mg
4.52%
Vitamin B5:0.32mg
3.24%
Vitamin C:1.61mg
1.96%
Vitamin B12:0.11µg
1.88%