Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta! It’s one of those dishes that just wraps you in a warm, delicious hug. The pappardelle noodles are perfectly wide and chewy, soaking up that rich, creamy sauce like a dream. And the heat from the red pepper flakes? It gives this dish a little kick that keeps you coming back for more! Trust me, every bite is an explosion of flavor! I love making this on special occasions, like cozy dinners with friends or even a spontaneous date night. It’s so easy yet feels like a treat, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is just heavenly. You won’t be able to resist diving in!
Ingredients for Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish! First, grab 12 oz of pappardelle pasta—it’s wide and perfect for soaking up that sauce. You’ll also need 1 cup of heavy cream for that luscious, creamy base. Don’t forget 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese; trust me, it makes a world of difference! For flavor, have 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes ready to go. A couple of tablespoons of olive oil will help sauté everything beautifully. Lastly, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. Yum!
How to Prepare Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta
Cooking the Pappardelle Pasta
Let’s start by cooking the pappardelle! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is crucial because it helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once boiling, add in 12 oz of pappardelle and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a slight bite to it, so keep an eye on it! When it’s done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water (trust me, it’ll be helpful later), then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Making the Spicy Creamy Sauce
Now, onto the sauce! In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it’ll get bitter! Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring it all together. This is when the magic happens! Let the cream simmer gently for a few minutes, and then stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s beautifully melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and you’re ready for the pasta!
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Here comes the fun part! Add the drained pappardelle directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss it gently, making sure every strand is coated in that luscious goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. It should be creamy but not too heavy! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil, and prepare for a flavor explosion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
- Rich, creamy flavor that’s oh-so-satisfying and indulgent.
- Perfectly spicy, with just the right amount of kick.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Tips for Success with Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta
Before you dive into cooking, here are some tips to make your Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta absolutely perfect! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level to your liking; if you’re feeling bold, add more red pepper flakes! Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must—it melts beautifully and adds so much flavor. Also, make sure your garlic is minced finely; this helps it infuse the oil without burning. Finally, remember to save that pasta water! It’s a secret ingredient that can help you achieve that dreamy sauce consistency. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta
This Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta is not just delicious but also quite hearty! Each serving is estimated to have around 600 calories, with 40g of fat, 15g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying dish that balances indulgence with nutrition, making it a perfect choice for a fulfilling meal!
FAQ About Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce a few hours in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to eat, simply combine and heat everything together!
What if I don’t have pappardelle? No worries! You can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine or tagliatelle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
How can I make it spicier? If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Just remember to taste as you go!
Can I add protein to this dish? Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms would be fantastic additions, making it a heartier meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes! It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to loosen up that creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook. Enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!
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Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring pappardelle noodles in a spicy creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta