Imagine a dinner so delectable, so perfectly crafted, that it could spark a lifetime of love - welcome to the "Dinner for Two Engagement Pasta"! This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary love letter that promises to tantalize your taste buds and create an unforgettable romantic evening. Whether you're planning to propose, celebrating your love, or simply wanting to impress your special someone, this Italian-inspired pasta dish is guaranteed to make hearts flutter and appetites soar.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Make sure you have 8 oz of spaghetti, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1/2 lb of ground beef, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, along with some fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Place it on the stove over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. This will be used to cook the spaghetti.
- While waiting for the water to boil, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- At this point, your water should be boiling. Add the spaghetti to the pot and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and garlic. Stir well to combine and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the beef and marinara sauce.
- Gently toss the spaghetti in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the pasta between two plates. Sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your romantic Dinner for Two Engagement Pasta!
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, good marinara sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan make a significant difference in flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to perfect pasta is removing it from boiling water when it still has a slight bite. This prevents mushy spaghetti.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Brown the beef thoroughly: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor development.
- Don't rush the garlic: Sauté it gently to release its aroma without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
- Garnish generously: Fresh basil not only adds color but brings a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
