Red pesto rigatoni recipe for a delicious pasta dish

Ingredients for Red pesto rigatoni

• 6 oil-packed anchovy fillets

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

• 180 ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 65 g raw walnuts

• 45 g double concentrated tomato paste

• 2 red Fresno chiles, halved lengthwise, deseeded

• 85 g Parmesan, finely grated

• 45 ml fresh lemon juice

• 2.5 g kosher salt, plus more

• 450 g rigatoni

• 30 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces

How to make Red pesto rigatoni

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the anchovies, garlic, oil, and walnuts. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, or until the walnuts are deep golden and the garlic is just turning golden.

2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a further 2 minutes, or until it darkens slightly. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

3. Scrape the walnut mixture, including the oil, into a food processor. Add the chiles, Parmesan, lemon juice, and ½ tsp salt. Pulse until a thick paste forms. Transfer the pesto into a large bowl.

4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 375 ml of the cooking liquid.

5. Add the butter to the pesto, followed by the drained pasta and 125 ml of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Using tongs, toss vigorously, adding more cooking liquid as needed, until the pasta is glossy and well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary.

6. Do Ahead: The pesto can be made up to 5 days in advance. Cover and chill until needed.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.