Italian Dream
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with "Italian Dream," a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings together tender penne pasta coated in a luscious tomato and heavy cream sauce, elevated by fragrant garlic and fresh basil. With melted mozzarella folded into the sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory finish, every bite is a symphony of Italian-inspired flavors. Ready in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. The optional hint of red chili flakes adds a subtle kick, while the use of reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings perfectly to each piece of pasta. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and let this dreamy pasta transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Keywords: creamy pasta, Italian Dream recipe, penne pasta, tomato cream sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, quick Italian dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 whole, finely minced Garlic cloves
- 400 grams Crushed tomatoes
- 200 milliliters Heavy cream
- 10 whole, plus extra for garnishing Fresh basil leaves
- 200 grams, shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons (adjust to taste) Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons (optional) Red chili flakes
- 3 liters (for boiling pasta) Water
- 1 tablespoon (for boiling pasta) Salt
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 3 liters of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10–12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and stir. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the sauce. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until it is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and gently stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.
Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves for a touch of freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Italian Dream with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
614 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.2 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.6 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 2391 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 21.8 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 471 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 407 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
