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Creamy Leek and Garlic Scape Rigatoni_MidPage – 1

Creamy Leek and Garlic Scape Rigatoni

Ever wanted to learn how to cook garlic scapes? Good news! This creamy leek and garlic scape rigatoni is the perfect introduction.
5 from 3 votes
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Servings: 4
Calories: 625kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Food processor
  • Small skillet, optional
  • Immersion blender, optional

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces rigatoni ½ cup pasta cooking water reserved
  • 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil
  • 1 leek trimmed scrubbed, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2-4 garlic scapes depending on your preference for how garlicky you'd like to dish to be
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves 10-12 leaves reserved for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ cup dry white wine or vegetable stock plus more as needed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces baby spinach optional
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest reserve the lemon for another use
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until 1-2 minutes under al dente. Remove ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the rigatoni and set aside. Note: Try to time this so that your rigatoni finishes cooking right as the sauce finishes.

Cook the leek:

  • Heat oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and cook for 7-8 minutes until it begins to soften. Melt the butter into the leek and cook 1-2 minutes more.

Prepare the garlic scapes:

  • As the leek cooks, combine the garlic scapes, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil in a food processor and pulse until finely minced.

Cook the sauce:

  • Add the minced garlic scapes and parsley to the leeks. Cook for 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour in the white wine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Finish the sauce:

  • Pour in heavy cream and stir to incorporate. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken. If you like, use an immersion blender and pulse until smooth and creamy. Taste and season to your preferences.

Finish the rigatoni:

  • Add the reserved pasta cooking water, the rigatoni, and the spinach if using. Toss to combine and cook for 2-4 minutes until the rigatoni is glossy and al dente and the spinach is wilted. Taste and season to your preferences.

Prepare the garnish:

  • In a small skillet, add the pine nuts and turn the heat to medium-low. Cook, tossing regularly, for 1-2 minutes until toasted.
  • Transfer the pine nuts to a bowl. Tear the reserved parsley leaves and add them to the pine nuts. Add the lemon zest and extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

To serve:

  • Divide the creamy leek and garlic scape rigatoni between bowls and garnish with the pine nuts. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 43mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 1mg
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