Rotini Basil

Dive into the fresh and flavorful world of Italian-inspired comfort food with this Rotini Basil recipe, a quick and delicious pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender rotini pasta tossed in a fragrant blend of garlicky olive oil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and vibrant fresh basil, this recipe captures the essence of simple, wholesome cooking. The dish is elevated with a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese, while optional red pepper flakes and toasted pine nuts add a subtle kick and crunch for extra texture and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-pan meal delivers a balance of bright, herbaceous, and savory notes that will delight any pasta lover. Pair it with a crisp side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Keywords: Rotini Basil recipe, easy pasta dish, fresh basil pasta, quick Italian recipes, flavorful weeknight dinners, Parmesan and cherry tomatoes.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Rotini pasta
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp Pine nuts (optional, toasted)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to wilt slightly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cooked and drained rotini pasta. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss until evenly distributed. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 8

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with toasted pine nuts, additional Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(660.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2161.9

Total Fat 84.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 3732.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 272.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 80.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1069.0mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 1374.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.0%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 50.2%