Tomato-Basil Rotini Alfredo, with its creamy, quick-prep sauce and just a handful of simple ingredients, is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
The fresh basil and tangy goat cheese add vibrant flavors to the rotini, making each bite delightful.
It’s a comforting dish that brings together the richness of the cheese and the brightness of the tomatoes.
Servings: 4
Equipment
- large pot
- Nonstick skillet
- wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- measuring cups
- Colander
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta
- 1 Tbs. butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. garlic and herb goat cheese crumbled
- 2 tomatoes seeded and diced
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil + additional leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Save ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta well. Put the pasta back into the pot.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream and add the goat cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken, approximately 5 minutes. Toss in the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Combine the cream mixture, chopped basil, and reserved pasta water with the pasta in the pot. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated. Move the pasta to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh basil.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips & Tricks
- Save Some Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It helps to loosen the sauce and evenly coat the pasta.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil provides a vibrant flavor that dried basil can’t match. Add it just before serving to retain its bright green color and freshness.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Cooking garlic for only 30 seconds prevents it from burning and becoming bitter. It should be fragrant but not browned.
- Cream and Goat Cheese: Stir the cream and goat cheese continuously to avoid burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Tomato Options: If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. Drain them well before adding.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
