Spinach and Basil Creamy Rigatoni

Think cream sauce.. but extra boujee! Extra flavor, a gorgeous addition of color and talk about picture worthy. This super simple, creamy pasta will take your pasta game up a few notches! Get creative with the garnishes and make this beautiful Spinach and Basil Creamy Pasta for your next date night. 

All we're doing here is sautéing onion, garlic, spinach and basil together for a few minutes, adding some water, blending until silky smooth, adding heavy cream and cheese and tossing with cooked rigatoni. Top this dish with burrata or stracciatella, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, more basil.. and BAM! Done. What you'll have is a silky smooth, bright, simple yet verrryy effective creamy pasta dish. 

Ooookay, as we're getting closer to opening our food truck (!!!), my mind is hyper focused on all things pasta and Italian cuisine. So, don't be surprised if all I post from now on is Italian everything. I meeeannn, I'll try to switch it up for you.. but, no promises. Okay? Okay. Bon Appetit! 

Alriiiight - here's the recipe

Spinach and Basil Creamy Rigatoni 

1 lb rigatoni, or your favorite pasta

drizzle of olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced 

salt and black pepper

4 packed cups spinach 

1 cup basil + more for serving 

1 cup reserved pasta water

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

2 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese + more for serving 

optional, but recommended, garnishes:

olive oil

burrata or stracciatella cheese

(toasted) pine nuts

lemon zest 

1. In a large pot, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente or following directions on box. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain. 

2. In a sauté pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add in spinach and basil, stirring frequently. Season with a good couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Cook down until spinach is wilted. Turn off heat and add 1 cup of pasta water. In a blender, add mixture and blend until silky smooth. 

3. Return blended spinach and basil sauce back to the pan over low heat. Add heavy Cream and stir. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remember, always taste your food and adjust as needed! :) 

4. Add pasta and butter to the sauce. Toss until butter in melted. Add parmesan cheese. Add more basil, if you want. 

5. Serve pasta, garnish however your heart desires and enjoy! :)