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Cheesy Orange Pasta

Cheesy Orange Pasta: A Creamy Twist on Comfort Food

Cheesy Orange Pasta combines refreshing citrus and creamy cheese for a delightful dinner option.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 250 g pasta of your choice penne or farfalle
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil can be replaced with butter
  • 1 medium orange zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 100 ml heavy cream substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream
  • 150 g cheddar cheese grated; sharp cheddar recommended
  • 50 g parmesan cheese grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
  • fresh basil leaves adds a refreshing note
  • grated orange zest for extra citrus flavor

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • grater

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 250g of your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water for later use before draining the pasta.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the zest and juice from 1 medium orange into the garlic mixture and simmer for about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 100ml of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
  5. Gradually add 150g of grated cheddar and 50g of grated parmesan into the sauce, stirring until completely melted.
  6. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper to your liking.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it in the sauce. If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water.
  8. Divide the Cheesy Orange Pasta among serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated orange zest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese and juiced oranges for the best flavor. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.

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