Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience? This Pasta with Blue Cheese Tomato Sauce is about to become your new obsession! Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a luxuriously creamy sauce that combines the tangy punch of blue cheese with the rich sweetness of tomatoes. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese, 1/4 cup of cream, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After the tomatoes have simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream. Mix well until the cream is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Add the crumbled blue cheese to the sauce, stirring gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and then add it directly to the skillet with the blue cheese tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is well coated.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right blue cheese: For the best flavor, use a high-quality, creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort.
- Don't overcook the garlic: Sauté it just until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
- Reserve some pasta water: The starchy water helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Control the blue cheese intensity: If you're not a huge blue cheese fan, start with less and add more to taste.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the cream.
- Fresh basil makes a big difference - if possible, use fresh instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
