Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta! Imagine twirling those wide, luscious ribbons of pasta around your fork, all drenched in a rich, velvety cream sauce with just the right amount of spicy kick. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love whipping this up when I want something comforting yet exciting, and the best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes! Trust me, once you’ve tasted this blend of creamy and spicy flavors, it’s going to be a go-to in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
For this Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking, as it all comes together pretty quickly. Trust me, having your ingredients prepped will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful dish! It’s super simple, and trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Cooking the Pappardelle
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your 12 oz of pappardelle pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite, so keep an eye on it! When it’s done, reserve a cup of pasta water for later, then drain the rest. Don’t forget to toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking!
Preparing the Sauce
While your pasta cooks, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a large skillet, heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it all together. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away for a few minutes. Now, add in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy!
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part—bringing it all together! Toss your cooked pappardelle into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a fork to mix it all up, making sure every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Once everything is well combined, plate it up and garnish with some fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Voilà! You’ve got a stunning dish ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich and flavorful, with that perfect creamy texture
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone
- Customizable spice level, so you can make it as fiery or mild as you like
This dish is truly a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s always a hit. Plus, the ability to adjust the spice means everyone can enjoy it just the way they like!
Tips for Success
To make your Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta truly shine, here are some of my go-to tips! First off, don’t be shy with those red pepper flakes—if you love heat, add a bit more, but start small if you’re unsure. Fresh ingredients make a big difference, so opt for high-quality parmesan and fresh basil whenever possible. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive that creamy texture. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this deliciousness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to give you the most accurate information possible, it’s always a good idea to double-check based on your exact ingredients. Typically, for one serving of this Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta, you can expect around 600 calories, 40g of fat, and 15g of protein. Remember, nutrition can differ significantly, so feel free to adjust as needed for your dietary preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I make Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before tossing with the freshly cooked pasta. This is a great way to save time on busy nights!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well! You can also try using coconut cream for a dairy-free version, which adds a unique flavor!
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily customize the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you want to tone it down, try omitting them altogether or replace them with a milder pepper.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Just sauté them briefly before adding the cream for a deliciously colorful dish!
What pairs well with Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes for perfect sides! A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta ready to impress, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a truly delightful meal! A crisp green salad is a fantastic choice—something light like a simple arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette really balances out the richness of the pasta. You could also go for a classic Caesar salad if you’re feeling indulgent!
If you want to add a bit of crunch, some warm garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a drop!
And for drinks, I’d recommend a light white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy and spicy flavors beautifully. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime adds a refreshing touch. Enjoy your meal—it’s going to be a hit at the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta, let it cool to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to prevent it from drying out!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is key to keeping that creamy texture. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to the pan to help loosen the sauce, then gently toss the pasta until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll bring back that rich creaminess without overcooking. You can also microwave it if you’re in a hurry—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in and stir midway for even heating. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta: 25 Minutes to Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish made with pappardelle, spicy cream sauce, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mix well.
- Toss in cooked pasta, coating it evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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: 80mg
Keywords: Spicy Creamy Pappardelle Pasta