Indulge your taste buds in a culinary adventure with our unique twist on a classic pasta dish: Creamy Red Sauce Macadamia Nuts Pasta. This festive Mexican-inspired recipe elevates the simplicity of pasta night with the unexpected crunch of macadamia nuts and the rich depth of a creamy tomato sauce. Forget your usual weeknight dinner – this vibrant dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet macadamia nuts, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Prepare to be amazed by the ease and speed with which this delightful dish comes together. This recipe is surprisingly simple, utilizing readily available ingredients to achieve extraordinary results. For a step-by-step guide on creating this unforgettable Creamy Red Sauce Macadamia Nuts Pasta, continue reading below. Get ready to experience a pasta sensation unlike any other!
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Comal or Grill
- Plastic bag
- Strainer
- Pot
Ingredients
- Macadamia nuts
- Ripe tomatoes: 450 grams
- Onion: 1/4
- Garlic cloves: 2
- Tomato puree
- Large bell pepper: 1
- Butter: 100 grams
- Cream cheese: 100 grams
- Cream
- Oregano
- Chicken broth powder
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Mexican Manchego/Chihuahua/Mozzarella cheese
- Elbow pasta
- Salt
- Bay leaves
- Parsley
- Water
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Creamy Red Sauce
- Roast the bell pepper on a comal or grill, then sweat it in a plastic bag to easily peel and remove seeds.
- Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and water in a blender.
- Strain the blended mixture.
- In a saucepan, heat oil and add the strained tomato mixture. Season with salt, chicken broth powder, pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato puree to the sauce and let it cook until flavors integrate.
- Blend cream, cream cheese, roasted bell pepper, and the cooked tomato sauce.
- In a hot pan, melt butter and add the blended sauce. Heat through.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook elbow pasta al dente in boiling water with salt, onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Drain the pasta and reserve some cooking water.
Step 3. Combine and Finish the Dish
- Add parmesan cheese and the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too dry.
- Top with grated cheese and fresh parsley.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- Use the largest macadamia nuts available for this recipe.
- If the sauce starts to dry out while cooking the pasta, add a little of the cooking water.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the macadamia nuts with other nuts?
Yes! Pecans, walnuts, or even almonds would work well, but macadamias offer a unique buttery flavor that complements the sauce best.
2. What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?
Use a pasta that holds its shape well, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Avoid delicate pastas that might break easily.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the pasta and nuts.
This Creamy Red Sauce Macadamia Nuts Pasta recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, transforming a simple pasta dish into a culinary masterpiece. The unexpected crunch of the macadamia nuts adds a playful contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy this festive and flavorful pasta, perfect for any occasion!