Rotini Fiorentina
If you ever wonder what I love to make on a regular basis at my house for dinner, chances are it’s a quick pasta dish like this rotini Fiorentina. love pasta dishes and some of my favorites are dishes like cheesy taco pasta or a good bolognese. They always make a comforting and delicious meal and can be very customizable, which is the perfect opportunity to use up food from the fridge. This Fiorentina sauce is incredibly creamy and filled with onions, garlic, and loads of flavors such as Italian seasoning which has dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme and marjoram. If that wasn’t enough, the red pepper flakes will add a kick of heat but it’s so easy to add more if you like it hot. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that really doesn’t require much time and effort.
Pasta – You’ll need a small shaped pasta like rotini, rigatoni or penne. Butter and Oil – I like to use a combination of butter and olive oil to sauté my veggies in. Onion and Garlic – Essential flavor enhancers to any tomato sauce. Tomato passata – This is pureed, strained tomatoes, uncooked, and usually comes in bottles. If you don’t have this you can replace it with tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. Italian seasoning – Use either store bought or make my homemade Italian seasoning. Bouillon – I like to add a chicken bouillon cube for some great flavor. Sugar – You’ll want to add a bit of sugar whenever making a tomato sauce to balance out the flavors and cut some of the tomato acidity. Red pepper flakes – I love adding some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Feel free to adjust according to your preference. Cream – You’ll want to use half and half cream or heavy cream for a richer and even creamier sauce. Cheese – Lots of mozzarella cheese, of course. I also love to grate some Parmesan cheese over the top when serving.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time?
Make sure there is sufficient water in the pot to allow pasta enough room to cook evenly, then add add about a tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of liquid. You want to add enough salt, to add flavor to the pasta. Cooking to al dente is best which means the pasta is chewy and firm to the bite, but still tender. It will hold its whole shape in whatever sauce you put it in.
What Is The Difference Between Tomato Puree And Tomato Passata?
Although passata in Italian means puree, there is an essential difference between north American tomato puree and the Italian passata. The tomatoes in tomato puree are generally heated and skinned and must be deacidified before it releases its final flavor. For Passata the tomatoes are usually cold pureed and therefore raw.
What Else Can I Add To This Rotini Fiorentina Dish?
Add some fresh mushrooms, peppers, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. If you want a protein, sauté chicken breasts or Italian sausage for a customizable pasta dish. Fresh basil or fresh spinach also is great when added at the end.
Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
