Spicy Cream Pasta is a delightful dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Originating from the heart of Italian cuisine, this recipe has evolved over the years, incorporating various spices and ingredients that reflect regional tastes and preferences. The combination of heat from the spices and the smoothness of the cream creates a perfect harmony that many food lovers crave.
People adore Spicy Cream Pasta not only for its bold flavor profile but also for its convenience. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The dish is versatile, allowing for the addition of vegetables, proteins, or even seafood, making it a favorite among home cooks and gourmet chefs alike. Whether youre looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
Preparing the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Creating the Creamy Base
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes if desired.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If using, add the cooked chicken or shrimp at this stage, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and flavors.
Serving the Dish
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the spicy cream pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Cream Pasta
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or shrimp and consider adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options, to suit your dietary preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Make sure to taste the sauce before serving to ensure the seasoning is just right.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover spicy cream pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water or cream to the pasta to help loosen the sauce,
Conclusion:
In summary, this Spicy Cream Pasta is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner with a burst of flavor and a touch of heat. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the spice, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you choose to serve it with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a medley of seasonal vegetables, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. You can even experiment with different types of pasta or add your favorite herbs for an extra layer of flavor. We encourage you to try this Spicy Cream Pasta and make it your own! Dont forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with on social media or in the comments below. Your feedback not only inspires others but also helps us create more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and let the delightful flavors of this dish take center stage at your dining table! Print
Spicy Cream Pasta: A Deliciously Bold Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sautéed vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy gathering. Customize it with your choice of protein for added flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting spiciness with more red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
- If using, add cooked chicken or shrimp and stir to combine and heat through.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or shrimp and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce.
- Experiment with different pasta types, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Taste the sauce before serving to ensure seasoning is just right.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Leave a Comment