If you love cozy, comforting pasta dishes that bring a smile with every bite, then you’re going to adore this Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe. Radiatore pasta’s unique ridged shape clings beautifully to the rich, velvety cream sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is straightforward enough for any weeknight but special enough to share with guests, offering a luscious Italian-inspired meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as it sounds, every ingredient in this Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe plays an essential role—each adding layers of flavor, silky texture, and even a pop of color to the dish.
- 12 oz radiatore pasta: The star of the dish with its ridges designed to trap that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds a slight acidity and complexity; vegetable broth works well as a substitute.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick if you like a little spice.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness to the final sauce texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens and adds a lovely fresh color contrast.
How to Make Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Radiatore Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the radiatore pasta according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This texture is key because it ensures the pasta is tender but still has a pleasant, satisfying bite. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s magic for loosening the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shallots
In a large skillet, gently heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step builds the aromatic foundation that will infuse every bite with savory goodness.
Step 3: Add White Wine and Simmer
If you’re using white wine, now’s the time to pour it in and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This reduces the wine slightly and intensifies its flavor, balancing the creaminess with a subtle acidity. No wine? No problem—vegetable broth is a smooth alternative here.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens just a bit. This transforms it into a rich, cozy cloak of flavor ready to hug every piece of pasta.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the unsalted butter, which melts into the sauce creating a silky, luscious finish. Toss in the cooked radiatore pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick—this helps the sauce coat the pasta perfectly without any dryness.
How to Serve Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible, cheesy finish—guaranteed to make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread is a classic companion that’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley and Parmesan, so everyone can savor the creamy beauty in their own portion. Alternatively, you could add sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken on top to transform this into a heartier entrée, making it as versatile as your mood desires.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to revive the creamy texture and avoid dryness.
Freezing
This pasta dish doesn’t freeze as well as fresh because cream sauces can separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, consider freezing the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid high heat that might cause the sauce to break apart, so you keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of radiatore?
Absolutely! While radiatore’s ridges are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, other shapes with ridges or grooves, like rigatoni or cavatappi, can work well too.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
Not at all. The wine adds a lovely depth, but if you prefer, you can substitute vegetable broth to keep it alcohol-free and still maintain great flavor.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Swap the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Also, replace butter with a vegan margarine or olive oil for a delicious vegan version.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu cubes are fantastic additions to make the meal heartier without losing the creamy delight of the sauce.
What is the best way to prevent the sauce from splitting?
Simmer the cream gently over low heat and avoid boiling. Adding the butter at the end and stirring thoroughly helps keep the sauce smooth and velvety.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about cozying up with a plate of Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe that feels both elegant and comforting. It’s the perfect go-to for when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a simple yet stunning meal. I promise once you try this creamy, flavorful dish, it’ll become one of your favorite easy pasta dinners to whip up again and again.
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Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Radiatore Pasta in Creamy Sauce recipe features ridged radiatore pasta cooked to al dente perfection and coated in a luscious, silky sauce made from garlic, shallots, white wine, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Garnished with fresh parsley, this quick and easy Italian main course offers a comforting, flavorful dinner ideal for vegetarians seeking a rich yet simple meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz radiatore pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the radiatore pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Deglaze with wine: If using, pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the tablespoon of unsalted butter to add silkiness and richness to the sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained radiatore pasta to the skillet. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Radiatore’s ridged shape is perfect for holding onto creamy sauces effectively.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or grilled chicken to make this dish heartier.
- If preferred, substitute the white wine with vegetable broth to keep it non-alcoholic and add depth to the sauce.
