Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce

Name: Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10-12 oz radiatore pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ⅓ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste); 1 shot vodka (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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There is something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s made effortlessly in your own kitchen. Radiatore pasta, with its unique ridged shape, is the perfect choice for holding onto every bit of a rich, velvety sauce. This recipe is ideal for beginners because it is straightforward, requires only a few staple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight meal plan.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing guests, this easy sheet pan dinner alternative offers a satisfying and indulgent dish without the stress. Let’s dive into why this creamy, dreamy pasta should be your next go-to recipe.

Ingredients and Their Role in the Dish

Radiatore Pasta – Its ridged surface helps trap the sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. If unavailable, fusilli, cavatappi, or farfalle work as great substitutes.

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the aromatics, adding depth to the dish.
Onion – Brings a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Garlic – Provides an aromatic punch, enhancing the overall flavor.

Tomato Paste – Adds acidity and a concentrated umami boost, creating a well-rounded sauce.
Heavy Cream – The key to a luscious, silky texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese – Offers a salty, nutty depth that ties the dish together.

Vodka (Optional) – Enhances the tomato paste’s flavor and helps emulsify the sauce for a smoother consistency. It can be omitted without significantly altering the dish.
Dried Basil – Brings a subtle herbaceous note for added complexity.
Red Pepper Flakes – Introduces a mild heat that balances the creaminess. Adjust to your spice preference.

Salt – Essential for seasoning the pasta and sauce, enhancing all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
Alcohol-Free Version: Skip the vodka or replace it with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Protein Additions: Add crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the radiatore pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: If using vodka, pour it into the skillet and let it cook for a minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream. Stir continuously to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Salt the Pasta Water: This is your chance to season the pasta itself, making the final dish more flavorful.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue absorbing the sauce after mixing, so slightly undercooking it prevents a mushy texture.
Prevent Garlic from Burning: Burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter, so stir constantly once it’s added.
Use Pasta Water Wisely: The starchy water helps thin the sauce while keeping it creamy, so don’t forget to save some before draining the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this lemon herb chicken recipe or easy chicken kebabs alongside the pasta for a protein boost. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh spring mix salad or roasted vegetables. A slice of crusty garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

Final Thoughts

This quick and healthy meal is proof that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, even beginners can master this creamy pasta dish effortlessly. If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment below and share your experience. What substitutions or additions did you make? Let’s chat about your cooking adventures.

Happy cooking!

FAQ About Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While radiatore pasta works best due to its ridged shape, you can substitute it with fusilli, cavatappi, farfalle, or even penne.

Is the vodka necessary, and what can I use instead?

Vodka enhances the flavor of the tomato paste and helps emulsify the sauce, but you can omit it without affecting the texture. If you’d like a substitute, try a splash of lemon juice or white wine for a similar depth of flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

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