Description
Cheesy Orange Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines the bright, fresh flavors of orange juice and zest with rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in a luscious citrus-infused cheese sauce with aromatic basil, creating a unique and comforting meal that’s ideal for a quick dinner with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250 g dried pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Garnish (Optional)
- Additional orange zest
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
- Simmer orange mixture: Pour in the fresh orange juice, add the orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
- Incorporate cream: Lower the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, blending it thoroughly with the orange juice mixture to create a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
- Add cheeses: Gradually add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until all the cheese melts fully and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the cheesy orange sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Mix in basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to infuse the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra orange zest and basil leaves if desired, adding a fresh and decorative touch to the final presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain texture when tossed with the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are recommended for their meltability and flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses if preferred.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the cheeses used are free from animal rennet.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as the sauce may thicken upon standing.
