Creamy Red Wine Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
Creamy Red Wine Spaghetti
Description
Creamy Red Wine Spaghetti involves partially boiling spaghetti noodles just until pliable, then draining them without oil. A skillet heated with olive oil sautés sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt to release aroma and mild heat. Red wine is poured in and boiled, after which the par-cooked pasta is added back to simmer in the wine, allowing it to absorb flavors and cook through to al dente while the liquid reduces. Cubes of unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese stir into the sauce to add creaminess and umami. Pine nuts add a contrasting nutty crunch.
The dish delivers a distinctive flavor profile from the wine's fruitiness combined with the savory butter and cheese, balanced with a mild spiciness from red pepper flakes. Fresh basil or parsley garnish introduces herbaceous brightness. This pasta can be served as a main course for dinner or a refined lunch with a simple salad or crusty bread.
Wine choice is important; full-bodied reds like cabernet sauvignon, syrah, or merlot contribute the richest flavor. Vegetarian Parmesan cheese variants can be used if desired. Care is taken to cook the pasta and wine sauce together evenly, stirring often to prevent drying or sticking.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles dried
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 8-10 garlic sliced, cloves
- ½ - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- kosher salt to taste
- 2 ¼ cups red wine additional ¼ cup, if needed, full-bodied
- 4 Tablespoons butter cubed, unsalted
- 3 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese additional for garnish, grated
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- basil optional for garnish, fresh leaves
- parsley optional for garnish, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large stockpot filled with water to a boil, generously adding a pinch or two of kosher salt. Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the water and cook for 3-4 minutes. It should be about half of the time on the box. Don't go any longer; the pasta should just bend. Drain and set aside (*do not coat in oil!).
- As the water comes to a boil, begin heating a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. You will want a pan big enough to hold the pasta. Add the olive oil, heating slightly, then add the garlic slices, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic has softened. Pour in the wine, stirring to combine, and bring to it to a boil.
- Once pasta has par-cooked transfer it to the boiling wine. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for an additional 6 minutes or so, until the pasta is al dente. Stir/toss frequently to ensure the pasta cooks evenly as it likely won't be completely submerged. If the liquid appears to be "drying out" add a bit more wine as needed.
- Once the pasta is al dente, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the butter and parmesan cheese until melted. Taste test for salt levels, adding more parmesan or a pinch of salt as needed.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: While pasta cooks, place pine nuts in a small skillet over low-medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes until slightly golden brown, warm, and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Finishing Touches: toss the pasta with pine nuts. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and basil (or chopped parsley) as desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy, and cheers!
Notes
- Use a bold, full-bodied red wine that you enjoy drinking, such as cabernet sauvignon, syrah, or merlot, for best flavor.
- Look for Parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian if you prefer to avoid animal rennet.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 616 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 616kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 88mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 338mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 611IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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