There’s something deeply comforting about a simple pasta recipe rotini that reminds me of the evenings spent in Mama Lou’s kitchen. The way she would twirl those little corkscrew noodles onto her fork, a smile always playing on her lips, made every meal feel like a small celebration. I’ve carried that warmth with me through my cooking journey, often sharing these moments with my sister Ouma, who’s always ready to dive into a big bowl of pasta straight from the pot. This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients or the technique—it’s about capturing that feeling of family, tradition, and the joy of gathering around the table.
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Why You’ll Love This pasta recipe rotini
This pasta recipe rotini is a true gem for anyone who cherishes both ease and flavor. Rotini’s spiral shape isn’t just cute—it’s perfect for holding onto every bit of sauce, making each bite packed with deliciousness. I remember when Mama Lou first introduced me to rotini. She said, “This noodle hugs the sauce like a good friend hugs you.” And she was right. Whether it’s a creamy tomato basil sauce or a simple garlic olive oil drizzle, this pasta recipe rotini delivers comfort, nostalgia, and versatility all in one bowl.
Beyond flavor, this recipe is straightforward enough for busy weeknights but can be dressed up for special family dinners. It’s a canvas for creativity, allowing you to add your favorite veggies, proteins, or cheeses—just as Ouma and I do whenever we cook together. Each time I make this dish, it connects me back to those warm kitchen chats with Mama Lou, reminding me that food is love, tradition, and a story waiting to be told.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This pasta recipe rotini
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (about 3 cups dry)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Substitution suggestion: Use gluten-free rotini pasta if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free variation, omit the Parmesan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g (mostly from tomatoes)
- Sodium: 320mg (varies with added salt and cheese)
The Ultimate Pasta Recipe Rotini Everyone Will Love
Learn how to make delicious pasta recipe rotini. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (about 3 cups dry)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Substitution suggestion: Use gluten-free rotini pasta if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free variation, omit the Parmesan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Mama Lou always reminded me, “Don’t overcook your pasta—it should still have a little bite to it.” Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as Mama Lou used to say, “Burnt garlic is like burnt love—bitter and hard to forget.”
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the sweetest, most comforting flavors—just like the summer afternoons I spent picking fresh tomatoes in Mama Lou’s garden with Ouma.
- Stir in the cooked rotini pasta, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the garlicky tomato sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky sauce that clings to each spiral.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The cheese melts into the warm pasta, binding everything together in a way that feels like a warm hug—something Mama Lou’s cooking always achieved effortlessly.
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch, if desired. A final drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely sheen and richness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your pasta recipe rotini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Mama Lou always reminded me, “Don’t overcook your pasta—it should still have a little bite to it.” Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as Mama Lou used to say, “Burnt garlic is like burnt love—bitter and hard to forget.”
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the sweetest, most comforting flavors—just like the summer afternoons I spent picking fresh tomatoes in Mama Lou’s garden with Ouma.
- Stir in the cooked rotini pasta, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the garlicky tomato sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky sauce that clings to each spiral.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The cheese melts into the warm pasta, binding everything together in a way that feels like a warm hug—something Mama Lou’s cooking always achieved effortlessly.
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch, if desired. A final drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely sheen and richness to the dish.
Tips for Making the Best pasta recipe rotini
One of the things Mama Lou taught me was that the secret to a great pasta dish isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the love and patience you put into it. Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Always salt your pasta water generously. It should taste like the sea. This is your chance to build flavor from the very start.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps marry the sauce and pasta beautifully.
- Don’t rush the garlic. Cooking it slowly over medium heat lets it develop that fragrant, mellow sweetness without bitterness.
- Use fresh basil if you can. It adds brightness and aroma that dried herbs can’t match.
- Toast nuts gently in a dry pan until golden to bring out their nutty flavor—this little step adds texture and depth.
- If you want to make it heartier, add sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken, a trick Ouma swears by when she’s feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta recipe rotini shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides and drinks that bring the whole meal together.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up any leftover sauce—Mama Lou made the best garlic bread, slathered with herb butter and toasted to perfection.
- A glass of light red wine, like a Pinot Noir, complements the tomato and basil flavors without overpowering the dish.
- For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the palate.
- Finish with a simple dessert, like fresh berries with a dollop of mascarpone, to carry on the Italian-inspired theme.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this pasta recipe rotini make for a delicious next-day meal, though I’ll admit they rarely last that long in my house. When Mama Lou cooked for a crowd, she always planned for plenty of leftovers—because good food, like good stories, is meant to be savored again.
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
- Microwaving works in a pinch, but be sure to stir halfway through heating to prevent drying out.
- If freezing, keep the pasta without the fresh basil and nuts. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for pasta recipe rotini?
The main ingredients for pasta recipe rotini include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make pasta recipe rotini?
The total time to make pasta recipe rotini includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make pasta recipe rotini ahead of time?
Yes, pasta recipe rotini can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with pasta recipe rotini?
pasta recipe rotini pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is pasta recipe rotini suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, pasta recipe rotini may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
This pasta recipe rotini isn’t just a dish—it’s a memory, a feeling, and a link to the past that I get to share with my own family and you. Every time I prepare it, I’m transported back to Mama Lou’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the scent of garlic and the sound of laughter. Ouma and I often recreate that magic, even if it’s just the two of us, reminding us that food is a language of love and belonging.
I hope this recipe brings you the same warmth and joy it has brought me over the years. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or a quiet night in, this pasta recipe rotini is a beautiful way to connect with tradition and create new memories at your own table.
