Blue Cheese Pasta: A Creamy Delight Ready in 20 Minutes
Description
This delightful Blue Cheese Pasta recipe is a quick and creamy dish that you can prepare in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal. As the pasta water comes to a boil, you can whip up a rich sauce that features the bold flavors of blue cheese and parmesan, enhanced with fragrant sautéed garlic and onion. To elevate this dish, feel free to top it with grilled salmon, succulent chicken, crispy crumbled bacon, or even fresh tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. This sauce is also a fantastic companion to steak, ensuring versatility in your dining experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Half-and-half | 2 cups |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium onion |
| Blue cheese (crumbled) | 1/3 to 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/3 to 1/2 cup |
| Pasta (your choice) | 1 pound |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 524.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 60.7 mg |
| Sodium | 282.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 65.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.2 g |
| Protein | 16.9 g |
Cooking Instructions
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Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
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Create the Cream Sauce: With the onions and garlic cooked, pour the half-and-half into the saucepan. Allow the mixture to heat through, stirring gently.
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Incorporate the Cheeses: Once heated, whisk in the crumbled blue cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheeses have melted completely into a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, feel free to add a splash more half-and-half to achieve your desired consistency.
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Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the blue cheese can be quite salty, so adjust accordingly.
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Combine with Pasta: When the pasta is ready, drain it and reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. Add the hot pasta to the sauce in the saucepan, tossing gently to ensure every strand is well-coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the creamy blue cheese pasta and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as grilled salmon, chicken, crispy bacon, or fresh tomatoes. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delicious dish!
Serving Suggestions
This Blue Cheese Pasta can be served as a standalone meal or as a side dish to grilled meats. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce thickens too much upon refrigeration.
With a creamy texture and bold flavors, this Blue Cheese Pasta is sure to impress anyone at the table, whether they’re cheese lovers or simply looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite of this culinary delight!
