9 Best Rotini Pasta Recipes
on Dec 06, 2022, Updated Nov 20, 2023
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If pasta’s on the menu for dinner tonight, try out these easy Rotini Pasta Recipes. From a kid-pleasing rotini pasta with ground beef to an easy rotini pasta salad, you’ll find lots of delicious dishes to choose from. In this post, we’re sharing 9 of the best rotini pasta recipes.
What is Rotini?
Rotini is a type of pasta that is short and shaped like corkscrew. It means “small wheels” in Italian. It’s a popular pasta as it can hold its shape quite well and goes with many pasta sauces.
Ways to Use Rotini Pasta
Rotini is often used in pasta salads and baked pasta dishes. It goes well with most pasta sauces such as cream sauce, tomato sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
Best Rotini Pasta Recipes
Rotini Pasta Salad
Serve this easy pasta salad at your next family barbeque. It’s a one-dish meal that’s loaded with cheese, veggies, pepperoni, and pasta!
Baked Rotini Pasta
This hearty casserole takes just 40 minutes to make. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp garden salad for a complete meal!
Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
Serve this cheesy rotini pasta dish for next week’s Meatless Monday! It’s loaded with three kinds of cheese and a variety of healthy veggies.
Rotini Fiorentina
This pasta dish is a great vegetarian-friendly option. Just use a vegetable bouillon cube instead of chicken and you’re good to go! It’s hearty, satisfying, and takes just 30 minutes to make.
Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef
Your kids will love this saucy rotini pasta with ground beef. Serve it on a week-night when you’re strapped for time!
Chicken Rotini Pasta Recipe
This one-dish chicken rotini pasta is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. Serve it with crisp garlic bread for a meal your family will love.
Creamy Rotini Pasta
Serve this creamy rotini pasta for next week’s Meatless Monday dinner! It’s loaded with healthy veggies, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and heavy cream.
Rotini Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Clean-up is easy when you make this one-pot rotini pasta with tomato sauce. It’s ready to eat in just 20 minutes and is delicious served with a fresh garden salad.
The Best Rotini Pasta with Vodka Sauce Recipe
This vodka sauce recipe is so good you’ll want to serve it to guests! Enjoy it with rotini for a delicious meal that’s ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes.
Easy Rotini Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped, or shallots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup vodka, 3 oz
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste, double concentrated recommended
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup half and half, or ½ cup whipping cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- grated parmesan, for serving
- fresh parsley, or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil followed by the garlic, onions and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Add the vodka and tomatoes to the pan. Stir and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes more until the sauce has reduced somewhat.
- Add the tomato paste, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 15-20 minutes until reduced by about half. Stir occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can cook the pasta in boiling salted water, following the package directions. Drain, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor. Purée for about 5 to 10 seconds until smooth.
- Add the pureed sauce back to the skillet. With the heat on medium-low, add in the half and half or cream. Stir gently for a minute or two until it starts to bubble.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese. Then toss with the cooked pasta until coated completely. Garnish with extra parmesan and optional parsley or basil before serving.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.