Pasta Debra (Creamy Basil Pasta) Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Description:
This delightful recipe, Pasta Debra, is a homage to the exquisite flavors of Stravecchio cheese, a premium Parmigiano-Reggiano aged for 3 years. The cheese’s pronounced yet smooth flavor inspired this dish, crafted to honor and thank Debra, the wife of a dear friend. 🍝🧀
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4-8 | lobster meat |
| 1/2 | large shrimp |
| – | garlic granules |
| 1/4 | Worcestershire sauce |
| 1 | bow tie pasta |
| 1 | pasta |
| 1 | extra virgin olive oil |
| 2 | garlic cloves |
| 2-3 | fresh mushrooms |
| 12-16 | scallions |
| 4-5 | plum tomatoes |
| 2 | heavy cream |
| 1 | cheese |
| 4 | parmigiano-reggiano cheese (Stravecchio preferred) |
| 2 | fresh basil |
Instructions:
-
Marinating the Meat (If using):
- Adjust the amount of meat according to taste, using it as a flavor enhancement or for a heartier dish.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a plastic bag, add the meat, remove air, and seal.
- Massage the bag to distribute the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
-
Preparation:
- Clean and prep all vegetables, setting them aside for later use.
-
Cooking Pasta:
- Bring a generous amount of water to a boil with 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.
- Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
-
Creating the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the garlic cloves and sauté for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- If using meat, add it to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute (2 minutes for chicken).
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue stir-frying for an additional minute.
- Add the scallions and plum tomatoes, stirring for another minute.
-
Creamy Finish:
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the cheese and fresh basil, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.
-
Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Pasta Debra immediately, garnished with additional shavings of Stravecchio cheese on top.
- Accompany with hot ciabatta bread and a simple vinaigrette salad for a well-rounded meal. 🥖🥗
Tips:
- For a meaty option, include the lobster meat and shrimp in the dish.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking, adding more for a richer flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
This Pasta Debra recipe not only celebrates the depth of flavors in Stravecchio cheese but also pays homage to the joy of good company and delicious meals shared with loved ones. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! Bon appétit! 🍽️✨
