Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, where each bite bursts with the delicate, oniony essence of fresh chives and the rich, tangy embrace of sour cream. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your dinner guests wondering if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this incredibly easy yet sophisticated Sour Cream Chive Pasta that proves gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, mince garlic cloves finely and chop fresh chives into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and half of the chopped chives. Whisk together until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Briefly toast the remaining chopped chives for 30-45 seconds to release their aromatic oils.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Return drained pasta to the pot and immediately add the sour cream and chive mixture. Gently toss to coat every pasta strand evenly.
- If sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired for added heat.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnish with additional fresh chives, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, medium-length pastas like fusilli or penne hold the creamy sauce best.
- Salt Your Water Generously: The pasta water is your flavor foundation, so don't be shy with salt—it should taste like seawater.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency. Always keep some aside before draining.
- Temperature Matters: Add the sour cream mixture to hot pasta to help it melt and coat evenly, but avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
- Fresh Chives Make a Difference: If possible, use freshly chopped chives for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. The brief toasting step releases their essential oils for maximum taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
