Description
Savor the romance of marry me pasta from Tales Of A Kitchen, a delectable dish that promises a blend of flavors perfect for a proposal dinner or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing richness.
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced): Aromatic and flavorful.
- 1/2 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped): Sweet-tangy depth.
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream: Creamy base for the sauce.
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated): Salty, nutty richness.
- 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat.
- 1 Tsp Dried Basil: Earthy, herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning to balance flavors.
For the Pasta:
- 300g Pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine): Cooked al dente.
- 1/2 Cup Reserved Pasta Water: To adjust sauce consistency.
Optional Protein Add-Ons:
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (cubed): For a classic version.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): For a seafood twist.
Toppings:
- Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped): Adds brightness and color.
- Extra Parmesan Cheese: For garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Cook the Protein (if using): If adding chicken or shrimp, sauté in the skillet until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and dried basil. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add Protein (Optional): Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet, mixing it into the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best for holding the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
- Adjusting Heat: Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg