This Casarecce Pasta recipe will give you an incredibly delicious pastca recipe that’s family-friendly and ready in just a little over 20 minutes! This pasta variety, with its twisted and rolled shape, resembles a small scroll and is known for its ability to hold sauces and ingredients exceptionally well. And my recipe features a plant-based sundried tomato pesto topped with fresh basil that you’ll absolutely love.
The firm and chewy texture of casarecce pasta creates a perfect balance of flavors when combined with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile option for any meal.
This recipe takes the classic casarecce pasta and elevates it to new heights with the perfect blend of fresh ingredients. The star of this dish is the homemade sun-dried tomato pesto, that’s just bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, nutritional yeast, and nuttiness from walnuts.
Jump to:
- What is Casarecce Pasta?
- Why This Is The Best Casarecce Pasta Recipe
- What You Need to Make Casarecce Pasta At Home
- How to Make Casarecce Pasta Step by Step
- Tips For Making the Best Casarecce Pasta Every Single Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Casarecce Pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Casarecce Pasta
- Similar Recipes
- Recipe
This cassarece pasta also super quick and easy to make! You can have it ready from start to finish in a little over 20 minutes. It’s perfect for anyone following a vegan diet, but is satisfying enough even for meat-lovers! You can also easily customize it to add any protein you’d like to it.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner or served at a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress even the most picky palates.
Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious casarecce pasta recipe today!
What is Casarecce Pasta?
Casarecce pasta is a type of pasta that originated in Sicily, Southern Italy and is characterized by its twisted shape and short, cylindrical form. It’s an incredibly popular pasta option for many reasons!
Firstly, the shape of Casarecce pasta allows it to hold sauces and ingredients well. The ridges and twists in the pasta help to catch and hold onto the sauce, making sure that each bite is full of flavor.
Secondly, Casarecce pasta has a nice, chewy texture. The shape and thickness of the pasta allow it to maintain a good bite even when cooked al dente.
Plus, the versatility of this pasta makes it a great choice for many different types of dishes. It can be paired with a variety of sauces, whether it is a simple tomato sauce, a creamy alfredo sauce, or a pesto sauce.
It also works well with both meat and vegetable-based sauces, making it a flexible option for different dietary preferences. And my recipe combines the flavors of a delicious homemade sundried tomato pesto that you’re going to absolutely fall in love with.
Why This Is The Best Casarecce Pasta Recipe
Easy to make: This casarecce pasta recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward. This makes this recipe super easy to follow and prepare for even the most inexperienced cooks! The sauce is made in a blender and is incredibly delicious.
Versatile: The recipe allows for flexibility in terms of ingredients. This meansyou can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Delicious: The combination of flavors in this recipe creates a mouthwatering dish that you’re seriously going to fall in love with!
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is guaranteed to please a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks. Plus, it’s family-friendly and even kids love it!
Unique shape: The casarecce pasta’s unique shape adds an interesting twist to the dish, making it visually appealing and fun to eat.
What You Need to Make Casarecce Pasta At Home
All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious casarecce pasta recipe at home.
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Casarecce pasta: We will be needing casarecce pasta to make this recipe: it will provide a delicious and chewy texture to the dish.
Sun dried tomatoes: We will also be using sun dried tomatoes. Their intense flavor will add a tangy and sweet element to the overall taste of the dish.
Walnuts: For added crunch and richness, we’ll be using some walnuts in this recipe. They will give a nutty flavor and a satisfying texture to each bite.
Nutritional yeast: We’ll be using some nutritional yeast to give us that delicious cheese-like flavor in a plant-based form. Plus, this is one of the few sources of plant-based B12 that I highly recommend vegans incorporate into their diet.
Minced garlic: Adding minced garlic will infuse the pasta with a strong and aromatic flavor. You’re going to love it.
Tomato paste: To enhance the overall taste of the dish, we will mix in some tomato paste. It will add depth and richness to the sauce.
Olive oil: We’ll also be using some olive oil. It’ll help turn our sundried pesto to the perfect paste like consistency that perfectly coats the pasta.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, we will sprinkle some salt and pepper onto the dish. They will enhance the flavors and bring balance to the overall taste.
Basil leaves: Finally, for a fresh and aromatic touch, we will garnish the dish with some fresh basil leaves. They will add a burst of fragrance and a pop of color to the final presentation.
How to Make Casarecce Pasta Step by Step
Making this incredible casarecce pasta recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Cook the casarecce pasta according to the instructions on the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the tomato pesto.
- In a food processor, combine the sun dried tomatoes. Make sure to drain them from the oil before adding them to the processor. Add the walnuts, nutritional yeast, and garlic to the food processor as well.
- Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it becomes finely ground. You want the ingredients to be well combined and the mixture to have a smooth consistency.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep adding the oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
- Taste the tomato pesto and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, so you may not need as much salt as you would with a traditional pesto.
- Once the tomato pesto is seasoned to your liking, it is time to toss it with the cooked casarecce pasta. Make sure the pasta is still warm when you do this.
- Use tongs or a large spoon to evenly coat the pasta with the tomato pesto. You want every strand of pasta to be covered in the flavorful sauce.
- Finally, serve the pasta hot and garnish it with fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish. Enjoy your homemade casarecce pasta with tomato pesto!
You can serve this pasta hot or cold. Check out the tips for more information!
Tips For Making the Best Casarecce Pasta Every Single Time
Use a large pot for boiling: Using a large pot allows the pasta to cook evenly and prevents it from sticking together.
Salt the pasta water: Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the pasta and gives it a delicious taste.
Cook the pasta al dente: It is important to cook the pasta until it is still slightly firm to the bite as it will continue to cook in the sauce later on.
Save some pasta water: Reserving a cup of the pasta water before draining allows you to thin out the sauce if needed and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
Thin sauce with pasta water: If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of pasta water.
Scrape down sides of food processor: When making the pesto, be sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Taste before seasoning: Taste the pesto before adding salt, as nutritional yeast can be salty on its own. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Rehydrate sundried tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes packed in oil are used in this recipe. If you prefer to use dried sundried tomatoes, you will need to rehydrate them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before using.
Serve hot or cold: This recipe can be served hot or cold. If serving cold, rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and toss it with the pesto. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs such as fresh basil or parsley on top of the pasta dish adds a burst of flavor and enhances the overall presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- For a non-vegan perfect, toss the cooked casarecce pasta with our homemade sauce and add some grilled chicken on top for some protein.
- Another option is to mix the pasta with a homemade tomato sauce, with cooked Italian sausage, and fresh basil for a classic and comforting pasta dish.
- Add your favorite salad veggies to the pasta to serve it as a cold pasta salad. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives will work great. Dress it with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
- Enhance the flavors of the pasta by sautéing it with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Serve it with some delicious crusty bread or your favorite vegan soup for a delicious family meal.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Casarecce Pasta
This delicious casarecce pasta recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:
Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes and diced chili peppers to the sauce for a fiery twist. This is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their pasta dishes.
Protein: For a non-vegan option, add your favorite cooked protein on top such as some grilled chicken, steamed shrimps, beef strips, etc and they’ll go great with the flavors in this pasta.
Vegan-protein: For some vegan protein options, add some pan-fried tofu on top or add your favorite beans for a delicious vegan, protein-packed option.
Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can also use other types of nuts such as pine nuts, almonds, or cashews. Plus, you can even use a combination!
Fresh herbs: If you don't have fresh basil leaves for garnish, you can use chopped parsley or chives.
Pasta: In case you can’t find casarecce, you can use other short pasta noodle like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
Frequently Asked Questions
To cook casarecce pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Yes, you can add vegetables to this recipe if you like. Some popular options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted zucchini, or steamed broccoli. Simply cook the vegetables separately and toss them with the cooked pasta and sauce before serving.
Yes, you can add vegetables to this recipe if you like. Some popular options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted zucchini, or steamed broccoli. Simply cook the vegetables separately and toss them with the cooked pasta and sauce before serving.
To serve the casarecce pasta, divide it among serving plates or bowls. Top with grated nutritional yeast and additional chopped basil, if desired. Serve hot or cold and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Casarecce Pasta
To store leftovers of the casarecce pasta recipe, first, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the pasta into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator and it can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat the leftovers, you can either microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, or reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If the pasta seems dry, you can add a little bit of water or sauce to moisten it.
Unfortunately, this recipe may not be suitable for freezing. The texture and taste of the pasta may change when frozen and thawed, resulting in a less enjoyable eating experience. It is best to consume the leftovers within a few days rather than freezing them.
If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Similar Recipes
Recipe
Casarecce Pasta with Homemade Sundried Tomato Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 pound casarecce pasta
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the casarecce pasta according to package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the sun dried tomatoes (drained from the oil), walnuts, nutritional yeast, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
- Season the tomato pesto with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, so you may not need as much salt as you would with a traditional pesto.
- Toss the cooked casarecce pasta with the tomato pesto until it's evenly coated.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Sundried tomatoes packed in oil are used in this recipe. If you prefer to use dried sundried tomatoes, you will need to rehydrate them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before using.
- This recipe can be served hot or cold. If serving cold, rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and toss it with the pesto. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- When making the pesto, be sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of pasta water.
- Taste the pesto before adding salt, as nutritional yeast can be salty on its own. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pine nuts, almonds, or cashews.
- If you don't have fresh basil leaves for garnish, you can use chopped parsley or chives.
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Mark Darrell Beck says
Filling, and had a good flavor. The food processor made it easy.
Iryna says
Mark, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm very happy you liked my pasta recipe!