Description
This Cheesy Orange Pasta is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy sauce with a refreshing hint of citrus from fresh orange zest and juice. The recipe combines tender pasta with a luscious blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, aromatic garlic, and smooth heavy cream, making it a perfect quick and comforting meal with a unique twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 250 g pasta of your choice (penne or farfalle recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium orange (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 150 g cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Grated orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Orange Flavor: Stir in the orange juice and zest into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes to allow the citrus aroma to infuse into the oil.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, forming the creamy base of the sauce.
- Melt Cheeses: Slowly add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, mixing well to balance the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the cheesy orange sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy but pourable consistency.
- Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated orange zest, if desired, to enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the Cheesy Orange Pasta immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor; bottled juice will not provide the same freshness.
- Choose pasta shapes like penne or farfalle that hold the sauce well for a better eating experience.
- To make the sauce thinner or thicker, adjust the amount of reserved pasta water accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnishing with fresh basil adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the citrus and cheese.
- Serve immediately after preparation as the sauce may thicken and stick together upon standing.
