Pasta Debra (Creamy Basil Pasta) |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This recipe is dedicated to the wife of a long-time friend, who introduced me to Stravecchio cheese, a premium Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese that is aged for 3 years. Although the cheese has a stronger flavor than regular Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the flavor is much smoother. I developed this recipe to showcase the cheese and to thank Debra. Ingredients:
4 -8 ounces good beef or 4 -8 ounces chicken breasts or 4 -8 ounces lamb, trimmed and thinly sliced or 4 -8 ounces cubed lobster meat or 4 -8 ounces peeled and deveined large shrimp, sliced lengthwise |
1/2 teaspoon garlic granules |
salt & freshly ground black pepper |
1/4 teaspoon lemon & herb seasoning |
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar |
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce |
1 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle) or 1 lb other short pasta, cooked in boiling salt water until al dente |
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil |
2 -3 cloves garlic, chopped,to taste,but more is better |
12 -16 ounces fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced |
4 -5 scallions, chopped (green onions) |
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced |
1 cup heavy cream |
4 ounces freshly shredded stravecchio cheese (preferred) or 4 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, plus additional for passing |
2 bunches fresh basil, stemmed and roughly chopped,more to taste |
Directions:
1. Serve with Hot ciabatta with cold butter and a vinaigrette salad as accompaniments** This can be made as a main dish by including meat in it, or can be made meatless as a side dish or first course.
2. Adjust the amount of meat according to taste; a little, essentially as a flavor enhancement, or in a larger quantity for a more substantial dish If using meat, combine all marinade ingredients in a small plastic bag, add meat, squeeze out air, and seal.
3. Knead to distribute marinade, and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator.
4. Clean and prepare all vegetables, and set aside.
5. Bring a generous amount of water with 2 Tbsp of salt to a boil, and add pasta.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, and saute garlic for 15 seconds.
7. Add meat, if using, and stir-fry for 1 minute (2 minutes for chicken).
8. Add sliced mushrooms, and stir-fry for 1 minute longer.
9. Add onions and tomatoes, and stir-fry for 1 minute longer.
10. Stir in cream, and bring to a boil.
11. Stir in cheese and basil, and continue stirring just until cheese is melted.
12. Drain pasta well, and add to sauce in skillet (or return to pasta pot, and add sauce), and toss until pasta is well coated.
13. Serve immediately with additional Stravecchio on the side.
14. Serve with hot ciabatta and a nice simple salad with vinaigrette dressing (topped with more Stravecchio).
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