As summer rolls in, my thoughts drift toward gatherings with family and friends. Late afternoons filled with laughter and vibrant conversations often revolve around one thing: food. Picture this: you’re sitting outside, the grill is sizzling, and plates are piled high with colorful dishes.
Among them is a creamy Rotini Fiorentina, a pasta dish that steals the show. It’s creamy, zesty, and just bursting with flavor, making it the perfect companion to grilled meats or an icy cold beverage.
What is Rotini Fiorentina?
Rotini Fiorentina is a delightful pasta dish that hails from Florence, Italy. It combines the sturdy corkscrew shape of rotini pasta with a rich and creamy sauce, bursting with herbs and spices. This dish is not only fulfilling but also captures the essence of Italian cooking: simple ingredients coming together to create something truly wonderful.
You’ll find it embraces the colors and flavors of summer through bright herbs and fresh vegetables, making it a go-to recipe for any outdoor gathering.
You will also like the following Dinner recipes!
- Chipotle Mexican Grill Chicken Marinade
- Sheet Pan Sausage And Veggies
- Copycat Quick One Pot Salmon And Rice
The Ingredients
Cooking is an art, and like any great artist, you need the right tools and colors. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups strained tomato purée (passata)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any small pasta shape like penne)
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
These ingredients embody the spirit of Italian cuisine. When combined, they deliver a balanced and delightful flavor profile that dances on your palate.
How to Make Rotini Fiorentina Recipe?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get ready for the delicious adventure ahead. Cooking Rotini Fiorentina isn’t just about combining ingredients—it’s a step-by-step journey that leads to a creamy, zesty delight.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic.
The goal here is to capture that aromatic goodness without burning the garlic; keep stirring for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
Add the strained tomato purée to the skillet. Stir in the Italian herb blend, granulated sugar, crushed red chili flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and the crushed chicken bouillon cube. Give this mixture a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and become something beautiful.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente. Trust me—there’s nothing worse than mushy pasta! Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of the cooking water.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the sauce has simmered and the pasta is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the half-and-half cream to the sauce and stir until it’s creamy and blended.
Combine the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella, dried basil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the pasta, creating that irresistible gooey texture we all love.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Serve your creamy Rotini Fiorentina in large serving bowls. Top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper for an added touch. Enjoy!
Notes
Here are some handy tips that can help enhance your cooking experience:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese can elevate this dish exponentially.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the crushed red chili flakes to suit your taste.
- Experiment with Pasta: While rotini shines, other shapes like penne or farfalle work too.
- Sauté Vegetables: If you like more texture, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for a well-balanced flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Use a pan on low heat or microwave briefly, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: You can freeze Rotini Fiorentina, but note that cream-based dishes may change texture. Consume within a month for the best quality.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fats: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 15g
This dish is packed with flavor, but like any recipe, moderation is key!
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Chicken: Pair the Rotini Fiorentina with grilled chicken breast—marinated in lemon and herbs—for a hearty meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve this pasta with crispy garlic bread. The crunch complements the creaminess.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Include a side of seasonal roasted vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, to enhance the meal’s vibrant colors and flavors.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio can elevate the entire dining experience, making it feel more sophisticated.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Rotini Fiorentina Recipe?
- Zucchini Noodles: Swap regular pasta for spiralized zucchini for a low-carb alternative.
- Almond Milk: Substitute half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option, although it might be less creamy.
- Vegan Cheese: Use vegan mozzarella to keep the dish plant-based while still achieving that gooey texture.
- Vegetable Broth: Instead of chicken bouillon, opt for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Canned Tomatoes: If you don’t have tomato purée, crushed canned tomatoes work well; just simmer longer to thicken.
Rotini Fiorentina Recipe
Equipment
- Cup
- Tablespoons
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups strained tomato purée passata
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 chicken bouillon cube crushed
- 12 ounces rotini pasta or any small pasta shape like penne
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Start by heating the unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic.
- The goal here is to capture that aromatic goodness without burning the garlic; keep stirring for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
- Add the strained tomato purée to the skillet. Stir in the Italian herb blend, granulated sugar, crushed red chili flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and the crushed chicken bouillon cube. Give this mixture a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and become something beautiful.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente. Trust me—there’s nothing worse than mushy pasta! Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of the cooking water.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Once the sauce has simmered and the pasta is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the half-and-half cream to the sauce and stir until it’s creamy and blended.
- Combine the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella, dried basil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the pasta, creating that irresistible gooey texture we all love.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
- Serve your creamy Rotini Fiorentina in large serving bowls. Top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper for an added touch. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese can elevate this dish exponentially.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the crushed red chili flakes to suit your taste.
- Experiment with Pasta: While rotini shines, other shapes like penne or farfalle work too.
- Sauté Vegetables: If you like more texture, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for a well-balanced flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I make Rotini Fiorentina gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas! Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste just as delightful.
2. Can I add protein to Rotini Fiorentina?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked ground turkey can be mixed in for added protein.
3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy cheese and mild flavors make it a hit with kids. You may even sneak in some additional vegetables to promote healthy eating.
4. How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller crowd?
To make less, simply halve the ingredients. Rotini is forgiving, so adjustments usually maintain flavor integrity.
5. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just ensure you reheat it gently and add a splash of cream to keep it smooth.
Conclusion
In the bustling world of summer gatherings, having a standout dish like Rotini Fiorentina can make a significant difference. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. As a food enthusiast, I find immense joy in sharing this creamy delight with loved ones.
So, whether you’re sipping a glass of wine at a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish is sure to bring happiness to your table. Grab those ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and get cooking—because delicious memories await!
