Smoky Cheese Fusilli Pasta
Rich Smoked Cheese Fusilli Pasta
Enjoy this delicious fusilli pasta infused with the deep, smoky aroma of smoked cheese. This recipe is simple yet elegant, perfect for special occasions or to elevate an everyday meal. The creamy sauce and chewy fusilli pasta create a delightful combination.
Main Ingredients- Fusilli pasta 120g
- Smoked cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
- Gouda cheese (grated) 1/3 cup
- Broccoli 2/3 head
- Onion (finely chopped) 2 Tbsp
- Garlic (sliced) 3 cloves
Sauce & Seasoning- Heavy cream 2 Tbsp
- Olive oil 2 Tbsp
- Pasta cooking water 1/4 cup
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Heavy cream 2 Tbsp
- Olive oil 2 Tbsp
- Pasta cooking water 1/4 cup
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the broccoli for about 30 seconds. Immediately rinse under cold water to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Step 2
Finely chop the onion and slice the garlic cloves thinly. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the fusilli pasta according to package directions, typically about 10 minutes, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water for the sauce. Do not rinse the pasta with cold water.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Add the blanched broccoli florets to the pan with the onions and garlic. Continue to sauté until the garlic is lightly golden and fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor. Sauté just until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 6
Pour in the heavy cream and the reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Add the grated smoked cheese and Gouda cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the cheese.
Step 7
Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the creamy cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce has thickened and clings beautifully to the pasta. Serve immediately in warm bowls. For an extra touch, you can garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
