Craving a pasta dish that will set your taste buds on fire while simultaneously comforting them with creamy decadence? Look no further! This red chilli pesto pasta with mascarpone is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that balances fiery chilli heat with luxurious mascarpone smoothness, proving that gourmet cooking can be both simple and sensational.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 100g red chilli pesto
- 150g mascarpone
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and red chilli pesto, stirring until smooth and well integrated.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the bowl with mascarpone and pesto mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta, using small amounts of reserved pasta water to help create a creamy, glossy sauce that coats each pasta strand evenly.
- Season with additional salt to taste, if needed.
- Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a bright, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, spicy, and creamy flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Salt is Your Secret Weapon: Use generously salted water to ensure your pasta is seasoned from within. Think of it as the foundation of flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water Religiously: That starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency. Never drain it all away!
- Temperature Matters: Toss your hot pasta into the sauce immediately to help it meld and create a silky texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use freshly grated Parmesan and hand-torn basil for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Don't Overcook: Al dente pasta is key - it should have a slight bite and will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Quick Serving is Critical: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot and at its creamy, spicy peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 760kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 24g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
