Radicchio & Balsamic Pasta
A deeply flavorful pasta dish where radicchio's natural bitterness cuts through the richness of balsamic reduction. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Penne pasta, heads, chopped Radicchio, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 heads, chopped Radicchio
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup, toasted Pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 chopped radicchio heads to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender with deepened color; stir in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Toss the drained penne pasta with the radicchio mixture, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce, then fold in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts until evenly distributed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Radicchio & Balsamic Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Radicchio & Balsamic Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Radicchio & Balsamic Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Radicchio & Balsamic Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Radicchio & Balsamic Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
