Rotini Pasta Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Meal
Rotini pasta is a classic comfort food that’s quick, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. Its spiral shape captures sauces beautifully, making every bite rich with flavor. Whether you’re crafting a weeknight dinner or a meal-prep masterpiece, rotini is the perfect canvas for endless combinations. This recipe highlights tender rotini tossed in a vibrant, garlicky tomato sauce, paired with fresh veggies and optional protein. You’ll love how easy it is to put together with pantry staples, and how customizable it can be for your family’s preferences. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or leftovers, this rotini pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Of Rotini Pasta Recipe
Why You Will Love This Rotini Pasta Recipe
You’ll love this rotini pasta recipe because it’s both hearty and healthy, with bold, fresh flavors and simple prep. The ingredients are customizable, allowing you to make it vegetarian, spicy, or protein-packed based on what you have. The spiral pasta holds onto the sauce perfectly, delivering taste in every bite.
Preparation Process Of Rotini Pasta Recipe
Start by cooking the rotini pasta until al dente, then sauté garlic and onions in olive oil. Add tomatoes, sauce, and seasoning to build a savory base. Toss in the greens and cooked protein if using. Finally, combine the sauce with pasta and garnish with cheese and herbs for a vibrant, comforting dish.
Step By Step Instructions
Boil the Pasta
Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and onions and cook until soft and fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Sauce
Toss in cherry tomatoes and sauté until they burst. Pour in tomato sauce and seasonings.
Simmer and Add Greens
Let the sauce simmer. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked rotini to the sauce and stir well to coat every spiral evenly.
Finish with Toppings
Top with Parmesan, basil, and cooked chicken or sausage if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve?
- Serve warm with garlic bread
- Pair with a side salad
- Top with extra Parmesan or chili flakes
- Enjoy with grilled vegetables
- Pack leftovers for lunch
Tips & Variations
Use gluten-free rotini if needed.
Add olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Swap tomato sauce for pesto or Alfredo.
Double the recipe for meal prep.
Use plant-based meat or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
Recipe Card
Rotini Pasta Recipe
Course: Pasta Recipe4 people
servings10
minutes20
minutes390
kcalThis rotini pasta recipe is the ultimate weeknight meal fast, flavorful, and flexible. Spiral rotini is tossed in a savory tomato-garlic sauce and paired with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you add sausage, chicken, or keep it vegetarian, this meal satisfies every craving. It’s a dish you can prepare in under 30 minutes with basic pantry ingredients and a few fresh additions. Great for families, meal prep, or a simple cozy dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to pasta dish. Enjoy every delicious bite of this easy, nourishing, and incredibly tasty rotini pasta.
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Chopped onion
Cherry tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped spinach or kale
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil
Cooked chicken or sausage (optional)
Directions
- Boil the Pasta
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and onions and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce
- Toss in cherry tomatoes and sauté until they burst. Pour in tomato sauce and seasonings.
- Simmer and Add Greens
- Let the sauce simmer. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked rotini to the sauce and stir well to coat every spiral evenly.
- Finish with Toppings
- Top with Parmesan, basil, and cooked chicken or sausage if desired. Serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best results, cook pasta just until al dente.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Fresh basil adds great aroma at the end.
- This dish reheats beautifully for leftovers.
FAQs
Conclusion
Rotini pasta is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings comfort and convenience to your table. With its ability to soak up sauce and pair with various ingredients, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re going meatless or loading it up with protein, this recipe adapts to your needs while remaining satisfying. Add it to your rotation for a wholesome, tasty dish that never disappoints.
