Discover the delightful world of Creste di Gallo pasta, a unique and visually stunning pasta shape that resembles the comb of a rooster. This pasta isn’t just about looks; its ridges and concave shape make it ideal for holding onto rich sauces, making every bite burst with flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned Italian food lover or a curious home cook, this recipe will guide you through making a simple yet delicious Creste di Gallo pasta dish that can easily become a family favorite.
With fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and tips to customize it to your taste, you’ll find this recipe both satisfying and approachable.
Join me as we explore this authentic Italian pasta recipe, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Plus, you’ll find links to other fantastic vegan and vegetarian recipes to expand your culinary repertoire.
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creste di Gallo pasta is not your everyday pasta shape. Its unique design helps trap sauces, making sure every forkful is packed with flavor.
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together quickly, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
The sauce is versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins. Plus, it’s a great dish to introduce friends and family to less common pasta shapes, sparking conversations around the dinner table.
The combination of texture and taste makes it a standout, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!
Ingredients
- 350g Creste di Gallo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150g fresh spinach
- 100g ricotta cheese (or vegan ricotta for dairy-free)
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional or vegan alternative)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Water and salt for boiling pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander or pasta strainer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for cheese
- Serving bowl or plates
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the Creste di Gallo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pan, stirring until wilted. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Drain pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the tomato and spinach mixture. If the sauce feels dry, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Add cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix gently so the cheeses melt slightly and create a creamy texture.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and the remaining Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
“Using pasta water to adjust your sauce consistency is a classic Italian trick that helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.”
- Make it vegan: Substitute the ricotta and Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked chickpeas to boost protein content.
- Extra veggies: Add zucchini ribbons, roasted red peppers, or olives to enhance flavor and texture.
- Spice it up: Incorporate more red chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- Use fresh pasta: If available, fresh Creste di Gallo pasta cooks faster and has a more delicate texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Creste di Gallo pasta pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce.
For a refreshing finish, consider a simple dessert like fresh berries with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato. If you love exploring diverse cuisines, check out some other amazing recipes such as Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, or Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more inspiration.
Conclusion
Creste di Gallo pasta offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes with its charming shape and excellent sauce-holding properties. This recipe is straightforward, yet it delivers a deliciously balanced meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
By experimenting with different cheeses, spices, and added vegetables, you can easily tailor this recipe to your preferences or dietary needs. I hope this recipe encourages you to try new pasta shapes and embrace the joy of cooking fresh, wholesome meals at home.
Bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Creste di Gallo Pasta Recipe
Description: A delightful Italian pasta shaped like rooster crests, perfect with a simple tomato sauce. This recipe is quick and easy for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g creste di gallo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook creste di gallo pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 8 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil and optional butter for richness.
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition: Calories: 400 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 65 g
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