Stonefire Grill Pesto Pasta Recipe
Discover the secret to Stonefire Grill's famous pesto pasta recipe. Try our homemade version for a flavorful twist on this classic dish!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 600 calories
Stonefire Grill Pesto Pasta
Stonefire Grill's pesto pasta is a beloved dish among fans of the restaurant chain's fresh and flavorful offerings. This delectable pasta features rigatoni noodles coated in a creamy pesto sauce made with high-quality ingredients like olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and basil. The dish embodies the essence of Italian cuisine with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
Each bite of Stonefire Grill's pesto pasta is a symphony of flavors, with the fragrant basil blending harmoniously with the nutty pine nuts and sharp Parmesan cheese. The garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce, while the olive oil lends a silky smoothness that coats each noodle perfectly. The rigatoni noodles provide a hearty base for the sauce, ensuring that every mouthful is satisfying and delicious.
One of the highlights of Stonefire Grill's pesto pasta is its simplicity and freshness. The restaurant prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to create dishes that are both delicious and wholesome. The vibrant green color of the pesto sauce is a testament to the freshness of the basil, and each ingredient shines through in every bite.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a refreshing lunch option, Stonefire Grill's pesto pasta never fails to delight diners with its robust flavors and satisfying textures. It's a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food, and its popularity is a testament to its irresistible appeal.
Recipe
Indulge in a culinary adventure with our tantalizing twist on Stonefire Grill's iconic pesto pasta recipe! Elevate your pasta game today!
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni noodles
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the pesto sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked rigatoni noodles to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Once the pasta is heated through and well coated with the pesto sauce, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Stonefire Grill-inspired rigatoni with creamy pesto sauce! It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Video
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Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 75 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Stonefire Grill Pesto Pasta, Stonefire Grill Pesto Pasta Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving Stonefire Grill's pesto pasta is simple and delightful. Here's how to do it:
- Plating: Transfer the cooked pesto pasta to a large serving dish or individual plates, ensuring that each serving has an ample amount of the creamy sauce and flavorful toppings.
- Garnish: For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing the pesto pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
- Accompaniments: Serve the pesto pasta alongside some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any leftover sauce. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the pasta.
- Presentation: Arrange the dish attractively on the table, making sure to showcase the vibrant green color of the pesto sauce. Consider using a decorative serving platter or bowl to elevate the presentation and create a visually appealing spread.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients available, especially when it comes to the basil. Fresh basil leaves will provide the best flavor for your pesto sauce.
- Toasting Pine Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto sauce enhances their nutty flavor. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are lightly golden brown.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pesto sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Seasoning: Taste the pesto sauce before adding salt and pepper, as the Parmesan cheese can already add saltiness to the dish. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Pasta Cooking: Cook the rigatoni noodles until they are al dente, which means they are cooked through but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won't hold the sauce as well.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining the noodles. This starchy water can help to thin out the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the dish.
- Storage: Leftover pesto pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you need to make substitutions for ingredients in the Stonefire Grill pesto pasta recipe, here are some options:
- Basil: If fresh basil is not available, you can use spinach or arugula as a substitute for a similar green flavor in the pesto sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a vegan or dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor to the sauce.
- Pine Nuts: Substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different nutty flavor and texture in the pesto sauce.
- Garlic: If fresh garlic is not on hand, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Adjust the amount to taste, as the flavor intensity may vary.
- Olive Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or avocado oil, can be used as a substitute for olive oil in the pesto sauce.
- Rigatoni Noodles: While rigatoni is traditional for this dish, you can use any other type of pasta such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine based on your preference or what you have available.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings can be adjusted or substituted with your preferred seasonings, such as Italian seasoning blend, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest, to add depth and flavor to the dish.
- Additional Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients like cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Remarks
Bring the essence of Stonefire Grill's kitchen into your home with our irresistible pesto pasta recipe. Elevate your dining experience today!
